Kinematics of a particle motion equations problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a kinematics problem involving a baseball thrown downward from a height of 12.5 meters with an initial speed of 4.5 m/s. The participant, Rob K, calculated the time of travel to be 1.194 seconds and the impact speed to be 16.439 m/s, while the textbook provided incorrect values of 0.597 seconds and 23.9 m/s, respectively. The equations used include s = ut + 0.5at² and v² = u² + 2as. Rob K's calculations are confirmed as accurate, highlighting potential errors in the textbook.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically s = ut + 0.5at² and v² = u² + 2as.
  • Familiarity with quadratic equations and their solutions.
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational acceleration, denoted as g = 10 m/s².
  • Awareness of unit notation standards, such as ISO 31-0.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation and application of kinematic equations in physics problems.
  • Practice solving quadratic equations using the quadratic formula.
  • Investigate common errors in physics textbooks and how to verify solutions independently.
  • Learn about the significance of unit consistency and standards in scientific writing.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone involved in solving kinematics problems or verifying textbook accuracy in physics education.

Rob K
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Homework Statement


A baseball is thrown downward from a 12.5m tower with and initial speed of 4.5m/s. Determine the speed at which it hits the ground and the time of travel.
s = 12.5m
u = 4.5m/s
a = g = 10m/s^2

Homework Equations



Motion equations used
s = ut + 0.5at^2
v^2 = u^2 +2as

Quadratic equation
x = (-b +/- sqrt( b^2 - 4ac))/2a

The Attempt at a Solution



This is what I started with, and rearranged to put into the quadratic formula.
12.5 = 4.5t + 0.5(10)t^2
therefore:
5t^2 + 4.5t - 12.5 = 0

Where:
a = 5
b = 4.5
c = 12.5

The answer I get is 1.194 seconds
The answer in the book says exactly half that at 0.597 seconds.

Then for part two:
v^2 = u^2 + 2as
seemed the right one.

and I consistently get 16.439m/s
yet the answer in the book says 23.9m/s

I would be grateful for any input on this.

Kind Regards

Rob K
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Thank you very much indeed for verifying this for me, I am suspecting there are a few errors, though as it is the 11th edition, I thought they might have been ironed out by now.

Happy New Year

Rob K
 

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