How Do You Calculate the Upward Force When a Calculator Rebounds Off the Floor?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the upward force exerted on a calculator when it rebounds off the floor after being pitched into the air. The problem involves concepts from mechanics, specifically relating to forces, motion, and gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial calculations of gravitational force and question the adequacy of the provided information. There are mentions of using kinematic equations (SUVAT) and relationships between force and momentum, with some participants expressing uncertainty about these concepts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding calculating velocities before and after the impact, but there is no explicit consensus on the method to be used.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may involve concepts not yet covered in their coursework, which could affect their understanding and approach to the question.

BrodieEX
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Homework Statement


[/B]
Gr.11 Physics, about 2 months in so I don't know much.

Bob pitches his calculator into the air and watches it rise to a height of 5 meters above the floor, and rebound to a height of 4 meters. The calculator was in contact with the floor for ten milliseconds, and it has a mass of 500 grams. Calculate the upward force exerted on the calculator by the floor.

Homework Equations



Here's all the equations I think would be relevant?:

Fn = Fg
Fg = mg
Ff = uFn
Fnet = ma

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not entirely sure where to start with such little info. I tried to get the Force of Gravity (Fg) like this:

Fg = mg
= (0.5kg)(9.8)
= 4.9N

But I feel like the fact that it was accelerating towards the ground would increase that?

Any help is appreciated.
 
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BrodieEX said:
Here's all the equations I think would be relevant
No, none of those are interesting here.
Does SUVAT mean anything to you?
What about a relationship between force and momentum?
 
haruspex said:
No, none of those are interesting here.
Does SUVAT mean anything to you?
What about a relationship between force and momentum?

No, and no :/ My teacher has a habit of giving us questions for things he hasn't taught us yet. Could you explain?
 
Ah I found a video on exactly what I was looking for. I got it now :)
 
Try to calculate the velocity right before and after the calculator hits the floor and see if you can use this to figure out the force
 

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