Free fall and distance traveled question.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving four villains on motorcycles driving off a parking garage. Each rider has different initial speeds: v0A = 14 m/s, v0B = 24 m/s, v0C = 18 m/s, and v0D = 19 m/s. The conclusion reached is that all riders have the same time of flight due to their horizontal launch and equal vertical drop, resulting in the ranking A=B=C=D. This highlights the importance of understanding projectile motion in physics.

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  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Knowledge of horizontal and vertical velocity components
  • Basic grasp of gravitational acceleration (g)
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  • Learn about the effects of initial velocity on time of flight
  • Explore the concept of horizontal vs. vertical motion in physics
  • Investigate real-world applications of projectile motion
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of projectile motion and time of flight calculations.

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Homework Statement


(Yes this is a question about Batman.)

To escape from Batman, 4 villains on motorcycles drive
horizontally off the edge of a parking garage, landing in a pile
of sand. The riders all have different initial speeds: v0A =
14m/s, v0B = 24m/s, v0C = 18m/s, and v0D = 19m/s. Rank
these four riders in order of time of flight, from shortest time to
longest, with no spaces, using < or = symbols between them.
For ties, list answers alphabetically. For example: D<A=C<B


Homework Equations


Xf = Xi + Vix*dT + (1/2)a*dT^2

Vfx = Vix + a*dT

Vfx^2 = Vix^2 + 2a*dT

Xf = Xi + (1/2)(Vix + Vfx)*dT

The Attempt at a Solution


My first thought was to take a stab at finding Xf, and then finding delta T, but after going through with this my answer ended up being wrong. This is the information I gathered from the problem... It seems that I made my list wrong as I listed the horizontal acceleration as g when it shouldn't be, so I'm left with this.
Xi = 0
Xf = ?
Vix = Vo
Vfx = ?
ax = 0
dT= ?

Yi = ?
Yf = 0
Viy = ?
Vix = ?
ay = -g

This question really has me stumped. There's no angle theta and initial height of the building to help me out, so I'm confused.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
To escape from Batman, 4 villains on motorcycles drive
horizontally off the edge of a parking garage, landing in a pile
of sand.
------------
Since all took off horizontally, thus zero vertical velocity, and landed on the same level, time of all flights are all equal.
A=B=C=D.
 
azizlwl said:
To escape from Batman, 4 villains on motorcycles drive
horizontally off the edge of a parking garage, landing in a pile
of sand.
------------
Since all took off horizontally, thus zero vertical velocity, and landed on the same level, time of all flights are all equal.
A=B=C=D.

Thank you so much! I can't believe it was that simple... I suppose I should stop over-thinking this stuff.
 

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