How High is the Cliff if You Hear the Rock Hit After 7 Seconds?

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SUMMARY

The problem involves calculating the height of a cliff based on the time it takes for a rock to fall and the sound to travel back up after 7 seconds. Given that the speed of sound is 330 m/s and using the equations of motion under gravity, the height can be determined by setting up two equations: one for the rock's fall and one for the sound's ascent. The equations must be combined to solve for the cliff's height, taking into account the time taken for both the rock to hit the ground and the sound to travel back to the climber.

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  • Understanding of kinematic equations in physics
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.8 m/s²)
  • Familiarity with the concept of sound speed (330 m/s)
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
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  • Study the kinematic equations for free fall and projectile motion
  • Learn how to derive equations for sound travel time
  • Explore problems involving simultaneous equations in physics
  • Practice calculating heights using different initial conditions and speeds
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Homework Statement


Suppose you are climbing in the High Sierra when you suddenly find yourself at the edge of a fog-shrouded cliff. To find the height of this cliff, you drop a rock from the top and 7.00 s later, hear the sound of it hitting the ground at the foot of the cliff.

Part A: Ignoring air resistance, how high is the cliff if the speed of sound is 330 m/s

Homework Equations



V(final)= V(initial)- g
y(final) = y (initial) +Vi(t) - .5 g(t^2)
(Vf)^2=(Vi)^2 - 2g (Yf-Yi)



The Attempt at a Solution



330 = Yi + 0(7) - .5 (9.8)(700)^2
I'm really having trouble just getting past the first part. It seems like it should be pretty straight forward but I'm probably over thinking it.
 
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You should try to get two equations: One for the distance traveled by the rock with respect to time, and one for the distance traveled by the sound with respect to time. When you have these you can combine them and get the answer (You will need to rearrange the terms in the equations)
 

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