Help with Kinematics Physics problem

AI Thread Summary
The problem involves calculating the local gravitational acceleration on Planet X after tossing a rock straight up at an initial speed of 17 m/s. After 14.2 seconds, the rock is falling back at 8.56 m/s. The relevant formula for gravitational acceleration is g = (v0 + vf) / t, which yields a result of approximately 1.8 m/s², suggesting a gravitational field slightly stronger than that of the Moon. The discussion emphasizes the importance of ensuring time is measured in seconds for accurate calculations. Overall, the approach focuses on applying the correct kinematic equations to solve the problem effectively.
BlasterV
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Planet X.

Toss rock straight up in air at 17 m/s (initial speed).
After 14.2, the rock is falling towards him at 8.56 m/s

What is magnitude of the local gravitation acceleration?

Can someone show me how to do this, OR show me the equation for solving this type of problem? thanks

In terms of showing work, I can't even find an equation or an approach that I would be confident handing in as an answer, so I haven't gotten past the "how I approach this" point in the problem.
 
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a=\frac{dv}{dt}

this is just about all you need to know to solve this problem...a first order linear differential equation with constant coefficients (remember signs)
 
Spectre5 said:
a=\frac{dv}{dt}

this is just about all you need to know to solve this problem...a first order linear differential equation with constant coefficients (remember signs)

The formula is the correct one and the problem is simplified assuming constant gravitation field of intensity "g".Then
g=\frac{v_{0}+v_{f}}{t}} which gives exactly 1.8 a bit more than the value on the moon.
 
What units would the answer be in? I want to double check and make sure I got it right.
 
BlasterV said:
What units would the answer be in? I want to double check and make sure I got it right.

I specifically left it without uniits,because i thought u specifically left time without units in the problem's text itself.It was some sort of a "payback".If those are seconds (it makes sense to think that way,in any unit system time's unit is second),then g=1.8\frac{m}{s^2}.If those were hours/days,then the assumption of constant gravitational field would not hold and the problem would be more compplicated than the author wanted.Or it could hold,but the intensty would be vanishingly small...
 
erm, my bad, it is 14.2 seconds I must of missed it when copying the problem :/
 
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