Finding speed of stone when it hits the ground.

AI Thread Summary
A rock is thrown upward at 30 ft/s from a 200 ft building, and the goal is to determine its speed upon hitting the ground, using a gravitational acceleration of -32 ft/s². The discussion highlights the use of energy conservation principles, equating final kinetic energy to the sum of initial kinetic and potential energy. Participants suggest setting up integral equations to find the velocity function, v(t), and emphasize the simplicity of integrating the constant acceleration. The integration of acceleration leads to a straightforward calculation of velocity over time. Ultimately, the problem can be solved effectively by applying these principles and equations.
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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