Calculating Velocity of Free Falling Objects | Bridge Experiment

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In summary, the boy throws two stones with the same speed but one falls into the river while the other stays in the air. The average velocity of the stones in the air is 10.9 m/s.
  • #1
Faiza
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***free Falling Objects ***

*FREE FALLING OBJECTS*

Q. A boy stands at the edge of a bridge 20.0 m above a river
and throws a stone straight down with a speed of 12.0 m/s.
He throws another pebble straight upward with the same
speed so that it misses the edge of the bridge on the way
back down and falls into the river. For each stone find (a)
the velocity as it reaches the water and (b) the average
velocity while it is in flight.

Note: Ignore the affects of air resistance.
THERES SO MANY FORMULAS FOR VELOCITY WHICH ONE AM I SUPPOSE TO USE? PLEASE HELP :cry:
 
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  • #2
Faiza said:
*FREE FALLING OBJECTS*

Q. A boy stands at the edge of a bridge 20.0 m above a river
and throws a stone straight down with a speed of 12.0 m/s.
He throws another pebble straight upward with the same
speed so that it misses the edge of the bridge on the way
back down and falls into the river. For each stone find (a)
the velocity as it reaches the water and (b) the average
velocity while it is in flight.

Note: Ignore the affects of air resistance.
THERES SO MANY FORMULAS FOR VELOCITY WHICH ONE AM I SUPPOSE TO USE? PLEASE HELP :cry:
Alright what quantities do we have?
a, x, v_i... What are we solving for? v_f for part (a)
t for part (b)
Part (a)
ok, what relates a, x, v_i and v_f?
or perhaps I should say v_i^2 and v_f^2?... Hope that's not too obvious

ok part (b)
What relates a, t, x, and v_i?
I think you know the answer to this... hint it involves t^2 and t
Also what is the average velocity?
Wouldn't that be change in position over change in time?
 
  • #3
Okay so for part a, V_xf^2 = V_xi^2 + 2a_x (X_f-X_i) is the kinematic equation that gives the velocity as a function of position, so a=9.80m/s^2 and Vi=12.0 m/s and x= 20 m for both pebbles?
 

1. What is the equation for calculating velocity of a free falling object?

The equation for calculating velocity of a free falling object is v = gt, where v is the velocity in meters per second (m/s), g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and t is the time in seconds.

2. How do you measure the acceleration due to gravity in the bridge experiment?

In the bridge experiment, the acceleration due to gravity can be measured by dropping a weighted object from the bridge and recording the time it takes to fall. The equation v = gt can then be used to calculate the acceleration due to gravity.

3. Can the velocity of a free falling object be negative?

Yes, the velocity of a free falling object can be negative if it is moving in the downward direction. In this case, the acceleration due to gravity (g) will also be negative.

4. How does the mass of a free falling object affect its velocity?

The mass of a free falling object does not affect its velocity. According to the equation v = gt, velocity is only dependent on the acceleration due to gravity and the time the object has been falling. However, a heavier object may experience more air resistance, which could slightly affect its velocity.

5. What factors can affect the accuracy of the velocity calculation in the bridge experiment?

The accuracy of the velocity calculation in the bridge experiment can be affected by factors such as air resistance, wind, and human error in measuring the time. The height of the bridge and the weight and shape of the object being dropped can also impact the accuracy of the calculation.

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