SUMMARY
The discussion focuses on calculating the total flight time of a baseball thrown vertically with an initial speed of 3 m/s, covering a distance of 50 cm. The correct approach involves using the kinematic equations for constant acceleration, specifically the equation d = vi*t + 1/2*a*t^2, where vi is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately -10 m/s²), and d is the total distance. The participants concluded that the total time must account for both the ascent and descent of the projectile, leading to a total flight time of approximately 0.398 seconds, as indicated in the answer manual.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of kinematic equations for projectile motion
- Knowledge of initial and final velocity concepts
- Familiarity with acceleration due to gravity (approximately -10 m/s²)
- Ability to solve quadratic equations
NEXT STEPS
- Study the kinematic equation d = vi*t + 1/2*a*t^2 for projectile motion
- Learn how to calculate maximum height and time to reach it using vf = vi + at
- Explore the concept of total flight time for projectiles, including ascent and descent
- Practice solving problems involving multiple phases of projectile motion
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and projectile motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to vertical motion and time calculations.