Free Fall: Questions & Solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem concerning free fall, specifically calculating the height from which an object falls given the time taken to travel the last segment of its descent. Participants are analyzing the equations of motion related to uniformly accelerated motion under gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to use kinematic equations to determine the initial velocity and total height of the fall. There are discussions about the signs used in the equations and the interpretation of distances in the context of downward motion.

Discussion Status

Some participants are questioning the correctness of their signs and the setup of the equations. There is acknowledgment of potential errors in the initial attempts, and some guidance is offered regarding the signs and distances involved. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem as stated, and there is a focus on ensuring the correct application of kinematic equations. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the proper setup of the equations and the interpretation of the physical situation.

katia11
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Homework Statement



45. A freely falling object requires 1.50 s to travel the last 30.0 m before it hits the ground. From what height above the ground did it fall?

Homework Equations



x = xi + Vit + (1/2)at2
Vf2 = Vi2 + 2ad

The Attempt at a Solution



First found the initial velocity from 30.0 m left
30m = 0m + Vi (1.5 sec) + (1/2) (-9.81 m/s2) (1.5 sec)2
Vi= 27.36 m/s at 30 m away from ground

Distance from original height to 30 m left
(27.36 m/s)2 = (0 m/s)2 + 2 (-9.8a m/s2) d
-38.15 m = d

total distance = 68.15 m


I hope this is right! Thank you!
 
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katia11 said:

Homework Statement



45. A freely falling object requires 1.50 s to travel the last 30.0 m before it hits the ground. From what height above the ground did it fall?

Homework Equations



x = xi + Vit + (1/2)at2
Vf2 = Vi2 + 2ad

The Attempt at a Solution



First found the initial velocity from 30.0 m left
30m = 0m + Vi (1.5 sec) + (1/2) (-9.81 m/s2) (1.5 sec)2
Vi= 27.36 m/s at 30 m away from ground

Distance from original height to 30 m left
(27.36 m/s)2 = (0 m/s)2 + 2 (-9.8a m/s2) d
-38.15 m = d

total distance = 68.15 m

I hope this is right! Thank you!

You have the wrong sign for the Vi in the highlighted equation, and the distances should be swapped, but you got the right result.

Otherwise, looks good to me anyway.
 
Yes, I posted this because I was unsure about the signs of the two distances. That makes much more sense.

Thank you very much!
 
katia11 said:

Homework Statement



45. A freely falling object requires 1.50 s to travel the last 30.0 m before it hits the ground. From what height above the ground did it fall?

Homework Equations



x = xi + Vit + (1/2)at2
Vf2 = Vi2 + 2ad

The Attempt at a Solution



First found the initial velocity from 30.0 m left
30m = 0m + Vi (1.5 sec) + (1/2) (-9.81 m/s2) (1.5 sec)2

I don't believe this is right.The left hand side should be -30m since the displacement is downward.
 

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