Kinematics Equations and a Cliff

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the initial horizontal velocity required for a car to land 90m into the water after driving off a 100m high cliff, with the water starting 30m away. The relevant kinematic equations include Δy = vy0t - 1/2(g)t² for vertical motion and Δx = v0t for horizontal motion. Participants clarify that the vertical and horizontal motions are independent and that air resistance is negligible. The correct initial velocity is determined to be approximately 23.9 m/s, contrasting with an incorrect calculation of 26.7 m/s presented by one participant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations in physics
  • Knowledge of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of independent motion in two dimensions
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of kinematic equations for projectile motion
  • Learn about the effects of air resistance on projectile trajectories
  • Explore the concept of independent motion in physics
  • Practice solving problems involving two-dimensional motion
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and projectile motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for their students.

  • #31
MarchON said:
Haha, not worth it. And I have no idea why he made the solution so overly confusing.
Coward! A brave man should fight for the truth!
You can ask him to explain the "correct" solution to you as you got different result... And then he either founds his own error or we find his error or our error, if any.
If he made the solution confusing, he could have confused himself.
 
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  • #32
I really like the two headings for horizontal and vertical parts of the motion in that example. That is a great first step in any two dimensional motion problem. The second step is to identify which part is accelerated motion and write the appropriate formulas.
 

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