How long do the balls take to hit the ground?

[Leo34005]

Velocity Physics Problem

Homework Statement

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?

Homework Equations

s = ut + 1/2at
Not to sure

The Attempt at a Solution

I am considering g = 10 m / sec^2.

Motion of the first ball:

=>23.4 = (15.5)t + 10(t^2)/2
=>23.4 = 15.5 t + 5(t^2)
=>(t^2) + 3.1t - 4.68 = 0
=> t = (-3.1 + 5.3) / 2 = 0.6 sec

Motion of the second ball

=>23.4 = - (15.5)t + 10(t^2)/2
=>23.4 = -(15.5 t) + 5(t^2)
=>(t^2) - 3.1t - 4.68 = 0
=> t = (3.1 + 5.3) / 2 = 4.2 sec

Difference in time = 3.6 sec

 

[Leo34005]

Need some help here

 

[Maroc]

Wouldn't your g = 9.8m/s due to gravity ? As for your first question it would be the ball going down, as you throw the ball up it is going against gravity thus making it achieve its goal much slower than the ball going down.

 

[Leo34005]

I think what i did was wrong, and yours too, so can anyone out there help me find the answer? At least i attempted it