How is this gravity question wrong?

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The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a baseball thrown horizontally and the calculation of its drop due to gravity. The initial calculations converted the pitch speed to meters per second and estimated the time of flight, but the final drop calculation was incorrect due to a misunderstanding of the kinematic equations. Participants emphasized the importance of using the correct kinematic equation for freefall, which should focus on vertical motion rather than horizontal velocity. The thread highlights the need for clear communication of attempted answers to facilitate assistance. Ultimately, the correct approach involves using the formula for vertical displacement under constant acceleration due to gravity.
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Homework Statement



While trying out for the position of pitcher on your high school baseball team, you throw a fastball at 86.0 mi/h toward home plate, which is 18.4 m away. How far does the ball drop due to effects of gravity by the time it reaches home plate? (Ignore any effects due to air resistance and assume you throw the ball horizontally.)
____m

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


86 miles per hour = 38.44544 meters/second
18.4 meters / 38.44544 meters.second =0.4786 seconds
0.4786 seconds x 9.81 = 4.695 meters
 
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What are your units on the last equation? That should immediately tell you you are wrong.

Use your kinematic equations for an object in freefall.

\[<br /> y = y_0 + v_{0y} t + \frac{1}{2}at^2
 
Ok I did:

y=0+38.445(0.478)+1/2(9.81)(0.478)^2
It said my answer was wrong.

Then I did 0+0+1/2(9.81)(0.478)^2
Still said it was wrong.

:(
 
And it said that answer was wrong, my last available attempt :(
 
1] What answer did you get? How are we suppsoed to help you if you don't tell us what you're done?


2] Forget the numbers. How are you thinking through this problem?
 
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