Kinematics Question on falling rock

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a kinematics problem involving a rock thrown upward from a 30m cliff. The rock rises 10m before falling back down to the base of the cliff. Participants clarify that the total displacement is determined by the initial and final positions, which results in a displacement of 30m, not 40m, as the path taken does not affect the displacement calculation. The importance of understanding displacement versus distance traveled is emphasized in the context of kinematic equations.

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Riju
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Homework Statement


A rock is thrown straight upward from the edge of a 30m cliff, rising 10m, then falling all the way down the base of the cliff.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, because the rock was thrown 10m up, and then it came all the way down, I added those quantities (10m+30m) so I got 40m. But since the displacement is the object's initial position to its final position, regardless of the path actually taken, would I have to count the rock before it was thrown? Then the answer would be 30m
 
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Riju said:

Homework Statement


A rock is thrown straight upward from the edge of a 30m cliff, rising 10m, then falling all the way down the base of the cliff.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, because the rock was thrown 10m up, and then it came all the way down, I added those quantities (10m+30m) so I got 40m. But since the displacement is the object's initial position to its final position, regardless of the path actually taken, would I have to count the rock before it was thrown? Then the answer would be 30m[/B]
You haven't stated what question you are asked.
 

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