Free Falling Object: Calc. d = 19.6m in 1s

[Mid]

Homework Statement

A free falling object starts from rest and travels a quarter of its full distance in one second. solve for how far the object falls in total?

Relevant Equations

gravity (9.8 m/s), motion formulas

v1 = 0 m/s
a = 9.8 m/s
t = 1sec
d = ?

d = v1t + 1/2at^2
d = 4.9 m
total distance = 4.9*4
= 19.6 m
thats what i was doing but i think I am wrong

 

[collinsmark]

Hello @Mid,

Welcome to PF!

Homework Statement: A free falling object starts from rest and travels a quarter of its full distance in one second. solve for how far the object falls in total?
Homework Equations: gravity (9.8 m/s), motion formulas

v1 = 0 m/s
a = 9.8 m/s
t = 1sec
d = ?

d = v1t + 1/2at^2
d = 4.9 m
total distance = 4.9*4
= 19.6 m

I'll agree with that.

thats what i was doing but i think I am wrong

What makes you think you're wrong?

 

[Mid]

Hello @Mid,

Welcome to PF! I'll agree with that. What makes you think you're wrong?

I'm in grade 12 and this question was directly taken from 1st year university physics and my teacher said the answer isn't that simple to get and students in my class got the answer to be around 274 m

 

[PeroK]

I'm in grade 12 and this question was directly taken from 1st year university physics and my teacher said the answer isn't that simple to get and students in my class got the answer to be around 274 m

The answer is quite simple if you approach the problem logically, as you have done.

274m cannot possible be correct, as the object would have to fall 68.5m in the first second.