How High is the Cliff Based on Projectile Motion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the height of a cliff based on the projectile motion of two horizontally launched projectiles. Projectile A, launched at 20 m/s, takes 3 seconds to hit the ground, leading to the conclusion that the cliff height is approximately 44 meters, as confirmed by the answer key. The key equation used is d = tv, where 'd' represents distance, 't' is time, and 'v' is velocity. The vertical motion is analyzed as equivalent to that of a freely falling object, emphasizing the importance of understanding the effects of gravity on vertical displacement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly projectile motion
  • Familiarity with the equation d = tv for calculating distance
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration and its effects on falling objects
  • Ability to differentiate between horizontal and vertical components of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of projectile motion in detail, focusing on horizontal and vertical components
  • Learn about gravitational acceleration and its impact on falling objects
  • Explore advanced projectile motion problems involving varying launch angles
  • Review kinematic equations for motion in two dimensions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching projectile motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of objects in free fall.

majormuss
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Homework Statement


Projectile A is launched horizontally at a
speed of 20. meters per second from the top of
a cliff and strikes a level surface below, 3.0 seconds
later. Projectile B is launched horizontally
from the same location at a speed of 30. meters
per second.
Approximately how high is the cliff?
(1) 29 m (3) 60. m
(2) 44 m (4) 104 m


Homework Equations


d=tv


The Attempt at a Solution


On two occasions my answer turn out to be '3' and '4'. but the answer key says it's '2'. I have tried for hours but i can't find the right approach. Please offer me a good explanation of how I should work with this? or u can even give me a link to read more or something.
 
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hi majormuss. If the projectile is launched horizontally, the horizontal component of velocity doesn't change (except by air friction which is ignored). Only the vertical component of velocity changes due to the acceleration of gravity. In this particular case, the initial vertical velocity is zero because it was launched horizontally. The vertical velocity then should be identical to a rock dropped from the same point. Can you figure out how far a rock would fall in 3 seconds?
 

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