How Do You Calculate the Velocity and Time Differences of Objects in Free Fall?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving free fall, specifically calculating the velocity of a wrench dropped from a height and comparing it to a separate scenario involving two balls thrown from a balcony. The subject area includes kinematics and the equations of motion under constant acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct application of kinematic equations, questioning the initial setup and the variables involved. There is an exploration of which equations are appropriate given the known and unknown variables in the scenarios presented.

Discussion Status

The discussion appears to be ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the equations and their application. Some guidance has been offered regarding the selection of appropriate equations based on the given variables, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants express frustration over previous misunderstandings and the implications for their academic progress. There are references to multiple problems being discussed, which may lead to confusion regarding the focus of the conversation.

Leo34005
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Homework Statement



A worker drops a wrench from the top of a tower 111.1 m tall. What is the velocity when the wrench strikes the ground?

m/s downward

Homework Equations



x=vt+1/2at^2 intial velocity is 0

The Attempt at a Solution



x = 111.1 + 1/2 ?
 
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Leo34005, do you actually understand what these equations mean?

x is distance … that's given, as 111.1 …

(and it's the wrong equation anyway).

Look, in these constant acceleration problems, you can have a u v x and t …

you have to see which of those 5 are given, and which you want (usually 4 out of the 5), and then choose the equation that uses those 4​
 
Thanks for helping me get the other problem wrong, now i won't graduate high school
 
Leo34005 said:
Thanks for helping me get the other problem wrong, now i won't graduate high school

You didn't actually do the https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=2327280&posted=1#post2327280", so how can you have got it wrong? :confused:

Anyway, follow the advice in my last post …

you have to see which of those 5 are given, and which you want (usually 4 out of the 5), and then choose the equation that uses those 4​
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Can you answer my other problem?
 
Leo34005 said:
Can you answer my other problem?

Are we talking about the same problem? :redface:

I answered 37 minutes ago … it's your turn.
 
no, the other post
 
Leo34005 said:
no, the other post

ok, but which other post?
 
The problem that has this on the post


Two students are on a balcony 23.4 m above the street. One student throws a ball, b1, vertically downward at 15.5 m/s. At the same instant, the other student throws a ball, b2, vertically upward at the same speed. The second ball just misses the balcony on the way down.

(a) What is the difference in time the balls spend in the air?

(b) What is the velocity of each ball as it strikes the ground?
velocity for b1
velocity for b2

(c) How far apart are the balls 0.480 s after they are thrown?
 

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