How Do You Calculate the Fall Time and Impact Velocity of a Dropped Capsule?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the fall time and impact velocity of a dropped capsule from an altitude of 8500 m, the formula y = 1/2gt^2 is used, resulting in a fall time of approximately 41.64 seconds. The vertical component of the capsule's velocity upon impact is calculated using Vy = g(t), yielding a value of 408.072 m/s. It's important to include units in the calculations and to consider the direction of the velocity vector, which may be negative depending on the defined coordinate system. Rounding the fall time to 41.649 seconds is also recommended for accuracy. Proper notation and unit representation are essential for clarity in physics calculations.
cosie
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ok I'm completely lost in physics! i did this and it looks so simple but I'm not sure if I'm doing it right. could someone help me out and tell me if my methods are correct. thanks!

a plane drops a rescue capsule from an altitude of 8500 m.

how long does it take for the capsule to fall to earth, assuming air resistance is negligible?

y=1/2gt^2
8500=1/2(9.8)(t^2)
t=41.64

what is the vertical component of the rescue capsule's velocity when it hits the ground.
Vy=g(t)
=(9.8) 41.64
=408.072
 
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You're correct, but make sure to include your units. Also, remember that the vertical component is a vector, so you should include the unit vector j (by convention), and it would be negative if you define up to be positive (if you define down to be positive, then your answer would be right as it is).
 
Be sure to round correctly, t = 41.649... (and give correct units as Tedjn says).
 

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