Find how long does it take to hit the ground from a car off a cliff

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a car driving off a cliff and the time it takes to hit the ground. The scenario includes a 500kg car and a 400m cliff, with participants exploring the dynamics of free fall and horizontal motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's laws and kinematic equations to determine the time of free fall. There is confusion regarding the interpretation of distance and time, with some questioning the validity of the original calculations and assumptions made by the original poster.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying the nature of the problem and addressing misconceptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct interpretation of the question and the equations that may be applicable. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster combining two different questions, which may have contributed to confusion. The participants are also considering the implications of horizontal motion and the lack of acceleration in that direction.

antphany
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Homework Statement


A 500kg car drives of a 400m cliff located on the surface of the Earth how long does it take to hit the ground

Homework Equations



F=ma
F=mg
d=1/d at^2

The Attempt at a Solution



i first did f=mg to find f
then i did f=ma converted that to find a
then did 1/2 at^2 converted that 2
d x 0.5 / 9.8 then i root it to find t
but i got the wrong answer, the answer is 9 seconds can some one tell me what i did wrong
 
Last edited:
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You're looking for an answer in metres, how far something is, is distance.

So the answer can't be 9 seconds. You already have how long it was in the air.
 
antphany said:
A 500kg car drives off a cliff at 50km/h how far would it land from the base of the cliff if it was in the air for 10 seconds


Homework Equations



F=ma
F=mg
d=1/d at^2
You are interested in its travel in the horizontal. The car experiences no acceleration horizontally.
 
NewtonianAlch said:
You're looking for an answer in metres, how far something is, is distance.

So the answer can't be 9 seconds. You already have how long it was in the air.

i been studying all night and its rly late i was combining 2 questions in 1 because i am soo tired i fixed the question now lol
 
antphany said:
A 500kg car drives of a 400m cliff located on the surface of the Earth how long does it take to hit the ground
This is an entirely different question, now. Your question has become: how long does it take something to fall 400 m, starting from rest.

What equation will you use for that?
 

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