How Long Does It Take for an Object to Fall from Height h?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in kinematics, specifically analyzing the time it takes for an object to fall from a height h under the influence of gravity. The original poster presents a scenario where the object falls a fraction of the total height in the last second of its fall.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use kinematic equations to relate height and time, questioning the correctness of their approach. Some participants suggest setting specific values for time to simplify the problem. Others explore the relationship between distance fallen and velocity at different times, leading to further inquiries about finding velocity.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering various interpretations and methods to approach the calculations. There is a recognition of potential errors in the calculations, and some guidance has been provided regarding the use of kinematic equations. However, no consensus has been reached on the correct solution or method.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster's professor not providing additional kinematic equations, which may limit the approaches available for solving the problem. The discussion also reflects uncertainty regarding the application of the equations presented.

whaler
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I have been having some problems with this question:

An object falls from a height h from rest. If it travels a fraction of the total height of 0.5665 in the last 1.00 s, find the time of its fall.

I started by saying h=(0.5)(g)(T^2)
Then I said that 1-.5665h=(0.5)(g)(T-1)^2

I have no idea if this is even remotly right. Please help.
 
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You have the correct equation. All you need to do is set T=1 and you know that the distance traveled is 0.5665h. Then you can solve for the height put it back in the original equation and solve for total time.
 
so that it states

h=(.5)(9.81)(1)?
 
whaler said:
so that it states

h=(.5)(9.81)(1)?

you would have [tex]0.5665 h =\frac{1}{2}g[/tex]

Now rearrange for h.

When you find h put it back into the original equation and solve for t.
 
i got an h=8.66
Then i put that in and got a value
t=1.33s

That is not the right answer though...where am i going wrong?
 
whaler said:
i got an h=8.66
Then i put that in and got a value
t=1.33s

That is not the right answer though...where am i going wrong?

No worries its my fault. Give me a minute (doing many things at once) and I'll correct my mistake.
 
know the feeling...not a problem
 
Ok so the equation that describes the motion is:

[tex]s=h-\frac{1}{2}gt^2[/tex]

Now the question tells you that in the final second the particle falls [itex]s=0.5665h[/itex] therefore,

[tex]0.5665h = h-v_t-\frac{1}{2}g[/tex]

where vt is the velocity at t-1 seconds. You can work out this velocity and should get a quadratic in h.
 
so how would I find the vt though?
would i solve the first equation for h and then plug that into the second?
 
  • #10
What about other kinematic equations? Do you know any more?
 
  • #11
my prof does not teach? have not be given any others yet
 
  • #13
Thank You For All The Help!
 

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