Finding speed of stone when it hits the ground.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of a rock thrown upward at 30 ft/s from a height of 200 ft, using the acceleration due to gravity set at -32 ft/s². Participants suggest employing energy conservation principles, equating final kinetic energy (KE) to the sum of initial kinetic energy and potential energy (PE). The relevant equations include the integral of acceleration to find velocity and the relationship between velocity and position. The final speed of the rock upon impact with the ground can be determined through these established equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE).
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically integration techniques for velocity and acceleration.
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration and its effects on falling objects.
  • Ability to set up and solve differential equations related to motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in physics.
  • Learn integration techniques for solving differential equations in motion problems.
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in various scenarios.
  • Investigate the effects of varying gravitational forces on projectile motion.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and motion, as well as educators seeking to explain concepts of energy conservation and integration in real-world applications.

justinm326
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Homework Statement


A small rock is thrown upward with a speed of 30ft/s from the edge of a building 200ft above the ground. What is the speed of the rock when it hits the ground? Use acceleration due to gravity as –32ft/s squared.

Homework Equations


integral of acceleration= v(t)
integral of v(t)= position

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that v(t)=30, the initial position is 200 and acceleration=-32 and I know the problem is asking for the velocity of the rock, I visualize this problem under the interval [a,b] so it's asking for the velocity at b when the rock hits the ground. I just have no idea how all of the information fits together to set up an integral equation. Any help with this initial set up would be great
 
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Problems like this are easier to solve using energy conservation. You just equate the final kinetic energy (KE) to the initial KE plus initial potential energy (PE). You use PE = mgh where h is height and m is mass, and KE ##\frac{1}{2}mv^2##.

Are you allowed to use energy?
 
justinm326 said:

Homework Statement


A small rock is thrown upward with a speed of 30ft/s from the edge of a building 200ft above the ground. What is the speed of the rock when it hits the ground? Use acceleration due to gravity as –32ft/s squared.

Homework Equations


integral of acceleration= v(t)
integral of v(t)= position

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that v(t)=30, the initial position is 200 and acceleration=-32 and I know the problem is asking for the velocity of the rock, I visualize this problem under the interval [a,b] so it's asking for the velocity at b when the rock hits the ground. I just have no idea how all of the information fits together to set up an integral equation. Any help with this initial set up would be great
You are told that the acceleration is a constant -32 ft/sec^2 so dv/dt= -32 or dv= -32dt. That should be a very easy integration. Further dx/dt= v (where x is height above the ground). Once you know v(t), that will be an easy integration.
 

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