Gravity, velocity time and distance problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the motion of a rock falling from a height of 180 meters under the influence of gravity, specifically addressing the time of fall and the final velocity of the rock.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the velocity and time of fall using the equations of motion. They express confusion about the relationship between velocity and time, questioning the validity of the formula used for time.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the calculations presented by the original poster while also advising caution regarding significant figures. Others provide clarifications about the relationships between the variables involved, including the derivation of the equations used.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the derivation of the equations and the assumptions made, such as neglecting air resistance and considering free fall conditions. There is an ongoing exploration of the definitions and relationships among velocity, time, and acceleration due to gravity.

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Homework Statement


A rock from high of ##h=180m## goes down and the gravity is ##g=9.81\frac{m}{s^2}##.
Find for how much time did the rock fall down and the velocity of the rock.

Homework Equations


##v^2=2gh##
##v=\sqrt{2gh}##
##t=\frac{v}{g}##

The Attempt at a Solution


First of all we will find the velocity because, to find time we need the velocity so:
##v=\sqrt{2gh}=\sqrt{2χ9.81\frac{m}{s^2}χ180m}=

\sqrt{3531.6}=59.43 \frac{m}{s}##
##t=\frac{v}{g}=\frac{59.43\frac{m}{s}}{9.81\frac{m}{s^2}}=6.1s##
is that correct way to do it?
BTW. how to make the square root on formulas?
 
Last edited:
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What you have done is correct. Be careful with your significant figures. You provide 4 significant figures for the velocity yet only use 3 for g.

I don't use formulas so I cannot help you there.
 
Thanks, but i have two more questions:
Where do we know that ##t=\frac{v}{g}##, if in formula of velocity ##v=√2gh## we don't have time ##t##?
and would gravity formula be ##g=\frac{v^2}{h}## or ##g=\frac{v}{t}## and ##v=gt##?
 
The parameter g is the acceleration of gravity in a free fall. In other words if you drop a ball, it accelerates toward the ground at a rate of 9.81 m/sec^2. The velocity attained during a free fall is (with no air drag)

v = gt

Rearranging,

t=v/g


As for v=sqrt(2gh), that formula can get derived a least a couple of ways.

For an object dropped with no initial velocity, the distance it falls is

h = 0.5 g t^2

But we know that

v = g t

so t = v/g

Substitute for t in the displacement equation

h = 0.5 g (v/g)^2 = 0.5 v^2/g

Therefore

v = sqrt(2gh)

The same formula can be derived from conservation of energy considerations.
 
got it now thanks!
 

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