Homework Help based on the equations of motion

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A particle projected vertically at 30 m/s reaches its maximum height of 45 m in 3 seconds. To find the two times it is 40 m above the point of projection, the quadratic equation must be used, as it will yield two solutions corresponding to the ascent and descent phases. For the second part of the problem, the particle's speed of 15 m/s can occur both while ascending and descending, indicating the need to solve for two separate times. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the difference between speed and velocity in projectile motion. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving the homework problem effectively.
risingabove
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Homework Statement


A particle is projected vertically upwards at 30 m/s. Calculate (a) how long it takes to reach its maximum height, (b) the two times at which it is 40 m above the point of projection, (c) the two times at which it is moving at 15 m/s.2. Homework Equations [/b
final velocity (v)
initial velocity (u)
acceleration due to gravity (a) = 10m/s^2
time (t)
Distance or displacement (s)
v^2=u^2 + 2as
v=u+at
s=ut+1/2 at^2
s=1/2(u+v)t

The Attempt at a Solution


I first find the maximum height, this is where i used the equation v^2=u^2 +2as
0^2=30^2 + 2(10)s
s=45 m maximum height

then i used that value and plugged into the equation to find time
45= 1/2 (30+0)t
t= 3seconds

therefore total time is 3 seconds for the particle to reach its maximum height.

part (b) is where i am stuck

however i move on to part (c)
and i plugged in the values in the equation
15=30-10t
t=1.5 seconds

however the question asked for two (2) times. so i am also stuck with finding the second time...
 
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risingabove said:

Homework Statement


A particle is projected vertically upwards at 30 m/s. Calculate (a) how long it takes to reach its maximum height, (b) the two times at which it is 40 m above the point of projection, (c) the two times at which it is moving at 15 m/s.


2. Homework Equations [/b
final velocity (v)
initial velocity (u)
acceleration due to gravity (a) = 10m/s^2
time (t)
Distance or displacement (s)
v^2=u^2 + 2as
v=u+at
s=ut+1/2 at^2
s=1/2(u+v)t


The Attempt at a Solution


I first find the maximum height, this is where i used the equation v^2=u^2 +2as
0^2=30^2 + 2(10)s
s=45 m maximum height

then i used that value and plugged into the equation to find time
45= 1/2 (30+0)t
t= 3seconds

therefore total time is 3 seconds for the particle to reach its maximum height.

part (b) is where i am stuck

however i move on to part (c)
and i plugged in the values in the equation
15=30-10t
t=1.5 seconds

however the question asked for two (2) times. so i am also stuck with finding the second time...


Welcome to the PF.

When they are asking for 2 times, one will be on the way up, and the other on the way down. There is a squared term in the equation for the vertical motion, and you should be able to use both roots in solving for the two times. Does that help?
 
no sorry I am lost...
 
risingabove said:
no sorry I am lost...

When the problem says, "...it is moving at 15 m/s", this is giving you a value for the speed of the projectile.

A speed of 15 m/s can mean the projectile is going up (+15 m/s) or down (-15 m/s). Speeds don't have directions associated with them, velocities do :wink:
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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