Finding height of flower pot dropper above you

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the height from which a flower pot was dropped, given the time it is visible as it falls past a window of known height. The context is kinematics, specifically dealing with free-fall motion under gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of kinematic equations to relate distance, time, and velocity. Some express uncertainty about how to incorporate time and initial conditions into their calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested that the information about the time the pot is visible and the height of the window can be used to find the speed of the pot as it passes the top of the window. Others are exploring how to relate initial velocity and acceleration to find the height from which the pot was dropped.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the pot was dropped (not thrown) and are considering the implications of this on the initial conditions of the problem.

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Homework Statement


As you look out of your dorm window, a flower pot suddenly falls past. The pot is visible for a time t, and the vertical length of your window is Lw. Take down to be the positive direction, so that downward velocities are positive and the acceleration due to gravity is the positive quantity g. From what height h above the bottom of your window was the flower pot dropped?Express your answer in terms of Lw, g, t.
Assume that the flower pot was dropped by someone on the floor above you (rather than thrown downward).


Homework Equations


Not sure where to even begin


The Attempt at a Solution


Well I know that i need to use the kinematic equation that relates initial and final velocities, acceleration, and distance traveled, so that I can solve for h, but all the equations are including time in them and I'm not sure what I'm missing. Any help would be appreciated!
 
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You know how long it took the dropped object to move from the top of the window to the bottom of the window, and you know the height of the window. That's enough information to calculate the speed of the object as it passed the top of the window.
 
how would i figure out the time, i know the initial time is 0, and the initial velocity is 0 and acceleration is gravity, how would i put these terms in the into an equation though to find out the height
 
While the pot is outside your window, it is free-falling under gravity. As it comes into view at the top of the window pane, the pot has a velocity which you could denote as u. You don't know much about u, but you do know that, with that initial velocity, and falling under gravity, the pot travels a distance Lw in t seconds. Do you have an equation that relates all those parameters? That will get you started.
 

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