Help Freefalling object problem

[akbro93704]

Homework Statement

A certain freely falling object requires 1.60 s to travel the last 23.5 m before it hits the ground. From what height above the ground did it fall?

Homework Equations

This is my last question on my online homework. Help! I have gotten answers, but the computer says they wrong.

The Attempt at a Solution

I know I have to set up two different equations, one for the last 23.5 m and one from the point that it fell at to the last 23.5m. I know the initial Velocity of the object is 0, and the final velocity of the initial drop is the initial velocity of the last 23.5m. Please help! I have tried it numerous times. My homework is due in 4 hours... Thanks :)

 

[mgb_phys]

You know the equations for a faling object.
v = u + gt
s = ut + 1/2 gt^2
v^2 = u^2 + 2gs

(s=distance, u=initial velocity, v=final velocity)
So you can work out the initial velocity ofthe last stage, and then use that as the final velocity of the first stage.

 

[baba89]

Hello,

It seems like you are on the right track with setting up two equations for the freefalling object problem. The first equation should be for the last 23.5 m and the second equation should be for the entire distance the object fell.

The first equation should be in the form of d = 0.5 * a * t^2, where d is the distance (23.5 m), a is the acceleration due to gravity (-9.8 m/s^2), and t is the time (1.60 s).

The second equation should be in the form of d = h + 0.5 * a * t^2, where d is the total distance the object fell, h is the initial height, a is again the acceleration due to gravity, and t is the total time the object took to fall.

To solve for the initial height, you can set these two equations equal to each other and solve for h. This will give you the height from which the object fell.

I hope this helps and good luck with your homework! Remember to always double check your equations and units to make sure they are correct. If you are still having trouble, don't hesitate to ask your teacher or a classmate for help.