Finding distance traveled with only time

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SUMMARY

The problem involves calculating the total distance traveled by a tennis ball shot vertically upwards, which takes 3.2 seconds to return to the ground. The key to solving this problem lies in recognizing that the time of flight can be divided into two equal parts: ascent and descent. The ball travels upwards for 1.6 seconds before reaching its peak, where the final velocity is 0 m/s. Using the kinematic equation for uniformly accelerated motion, the initial velocity can be determined, leading to a total distance of 31.36 meters traveled by the ball.

PREREQUISITES
  • Kinematic equations of motion
  • Understanding of projectile motion
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Concept of time of flight in vertical motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the kinematic equation: \(d = v_i t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2\)
  • Learn about the principles of projectile motion
  • Explore the concept of free fall and gravitational acceleration
  • Practice problems involving vertical motion and time of flight
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Students in physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion under gravity.

rasen58
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A tennis ball is shot vertically upwards from the ground. It takes 3.2 seconds for it to return to the ground. Find the total distance the ball traveled.

I don't know how to do this problem because they only give us time, and I can make the final velocity 0 m/s if I make it the top of the arc, but without knowing the initial velocity, is there a way to do this problem?
 
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Never mind, I was being really stupid for a second, but I figured it out.
Is there a way to delete this?
 
rasen58 said:
...I can make the final velocity 0 m/s if I make it the top of the arc, but without knowing the initial velocity, is there a way to do this problem?

Sounds good. Go with that!
 

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