Homework (Initial velocity, gravity, and falling height)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the motion of a book sliding off a tabletop, specifically focusing on initial velocity, gravity, and the height from which the book falls. Participants are exploring the equations of motion to determine the height of the tabletop, the horizontal distance traveled, and the components of the book's velocity upon impact.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply a specific equation to calculate the height but expresses confusion over its correctness. Other participants clarify the initial conditions of the problem, particularly the initial velocities in both vertical and horizontal directions. There is a suggestion to use a different equation for height calculation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and alternative approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the equations to use, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or final answer yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that air resistance can be ignored, and there is uncertainty regarding the application of the equations of motion. The original poster's calculations have not yielded a satisfactory result, prompting further exploration of the problem.

RawTalent
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Hey I am having a bit of trouble finding the proper equation to use when solving a problem such as this...

A physics book slides off a horizontal tabletop with a speed of 1.10 m/s. It strikes the floor at 0.350 s. Ignore air resistance. Find (a) the height of the tabletop above the floor, (b) the horizontal distance from the edge of the table to the point where the book strikes the floor, and (c) the horizontal and vertical components of the book’s velocity, and the magnitude and direction of its velocity, just before the book reaches the floor.

I used this equation with no success...
1.10(.35)+1/2(-9.8)(.1225)
= .385 + (-.60025)
= -.215 m

where do i go from here? Thanks.
 
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Hi Raw Talent, welcome to PF.
When the book leaves the table top, its velocity in the downward direction is zero and in the horizontal direction is 1.1 m/s, which remains costant.
 
So substituting 0 m/s for initial velocity I end up with .6 meters. I am still unsure if that's correct. Can anybody tell me if I'm using the correct equation?
 
Last edited:
Use h = 1/2*g*t^2 and find the answer.
 

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