Initial velocity of a Ball thrown up

AI Thread Summary
To find the initial velocity of a ball thrown upwards and caught after 10.5 seconds, the relevant equation of motion is s = ut + 1/2 at². Given that the acceleration due to gravity (a) is -9.8 m/s² and the displacement (s) is 0 (assuming it is caught at the same height), the equation simplifies to 0 = ut - 4.9t². By rearranging, it can be determined that t = 10.5/4.9, leading to the calculation of the initial velocity (u). The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the equations of motion and encourages asking questions until clarity is achieved.
simpleee
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Can someone one show me a step by step example of how to work out a problem where a ball is thrown up and it is a catched after let's say 10.5s, so how would I find out the initial velocity?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hi simpleee! Welcome to PF! :wink:

You have s t and a, and you want to find u …

which of the usual constant acceleration equations do you think will help here? :smile:
 
truthfully, I am not quiet sure.
I need help understanding which one to use and why exactly I should use it.
s = ut + 1/2 at squared
 
Oh and thank you for the welcome. =]
 
simpleee said:
truthfully, I am not quiet sure.
I need help understanding which one to use and why exactly I should use it.
s = ut + 1/2 at squared

(try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)

ok … there's only three constant acceleration equations, each with four variables, so you just chose the equation with the four variables that you're interested in.

In this case, you have s t and a, and you want to find u, so you choose s = ut + 1/2 at2 because it has all of them. :smile:
 
but i only have 10.5s and 9.8 for gravity.
So how would i know the rest?
 
simpleee said:
but i only have 10.5s and 9.8 for gravity.
So how would i know the rest?

u = 10.5, a = -9.8, and s = 0 (I'm assuming that the person catches it at the same height that (s)he throws it from :wink:).
 
0 = 10.5 t + 1/2 9.8 t2
0 = 10.5 - 4.9 t2
 
simpleee said:
0 = 10.5 t + 1/2 9.8 t2
0 = 10.5 - 4.9 t2

You mean 0 = 10.5 - 4.9 t …

yes, that's right. :smile:
 
  • #10
Do I get the t by itself now?
I think I might have posted this on the wrong section. .-.
 
  • #11
simpleee said:
Do I get the t by itself now?

Yes … t = 10.5/4.9. :smile:
I think I might have posted this on the wrong section. .-.

That happens quite a lot here! :biggrin:
 
  • #12
Why did it turn into 10.5/4.9?
Is there any rules on how many times we can ask for help? o.o
 
  • #13
simpleee said:
Why did it turn into 10.5/4.9?

0 = 10.5 t - 1/2 9.8 t2

so 0 = 10.5 - 4.9 t

so 10.5 = 4.9t

so t = 10.5/4.9 :smile:
Is there any rules on how many times we can ask for help? o.o

You have to keep asking until you understand it! :biggrin:
 
  • #14
Good, good.
All the better! ^_^
2.1m/s?
 
  • #15
I guess this problem depends on how strong your esophagus is.

-rlv.zazzle.com-awesome_smiley_photo_sculpture_photosculpture-p153359710604909267220_210.jpg
 
Back
Top