Help on physics problem:distance Earth moves towards the apple

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the motion of an apple dropped from a height and the corresponding movement of the Earth due to gravitational interaction. The subject area includes concepts of kinematics and gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the apple's fall and the Earth's movement, questioning how to apply kinematic equations to find the distance the Earth moves. There is discussion about the initial velocity and the appropriate kinematic formula to use.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using kinematic equations, while others are clarifying the initial conditions for the calculations. Multiple interpretations of the initial velocity are being explored, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem statement, which includes specific values for mass, acceleration, and height. There is an emphasis on understanding the implications of these values in the context of the problem.

Coco12
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Homework Statement


When you drop a 400g apple, Earth exerts a force that accelerates it at -9.80m/s^2.
The mass of the Earth is 5.98*10^24kg.
The acceleration of the Earth as it falls towards the apple is 6.56 • 10^-25m/s^2.
if the apple falls from a height of 5.00m, find the distance the Earth moves.


Homework Equations


vf^2=vi^2+2ad
t=2d/vi+vf


The Attempt at a Solution


I found the final velocity(9.90m/s) of the apple and the time it took (1.01s).
But how do I find the distance the Earth moves with only its acceleration?
 
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You have time, acceleration, and you can infer initial velocity. Look at your other kinematic equations.
 
so can I use the formula d=vit+1/2at^2?
will the intital velocity be 0 or 9.90m/s?
 
The initial velocity is 0 m/s.
 

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