Kinematics Velocity Help: Solving for Height with Gravity and Initial Velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a kinematics problem involving the motion of an object tossed vertically upwards with an initial velocity. Participants explore how to determine the maximum height reached by the object, considering the effects of gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply basic kinematic equations and expresses uncertainty about the relationship between initial velocity, acceleration, and the resulting height. Some participants question the terminology used, while others suggest using conservation of energy or specific kinematic formulas to approach the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering various methods and clarifications. Some guidance has been provided regarding relevant equations and concepts, but no consensus on a single approach has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is using an example problem to understand the concept better, indicating a desire to avoid direct replication of homework problems. There is also a mention of potential confusion regarding terms and dimensions in physics.

Dude22
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Homework Statement



I am not going to use the exact same problem, as that would be cheating as this is for school, but Instead i will use an example problem:

A can of pop is tossed directly upwards with an initial velocity of 4 m/s. How high will it go?

Homework Equations



I know that gravity is -9.8m/s/s so that is my acceleration

I know the initial velocity is 4m/s

and I know the final velocity is 0m/s

The Attempt at a Solution



What I instinctively do is simply, the initial velocity divided by the maceration which gets me 0.41 but I don't know if that is correct or if that would give me the time it took or the distance it traveled.

As this is not an actual problem from my homework, only an example problem to help me understand a concept, any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Josh
 
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I assume you meant acceleration. (Maceration is something to do with brewing.) Velocity has dimension LT-1 (distance/time), accn has dimension LT-2, so velocity/accn gives T.
Easiest way to get the height is by conservation of energy.
 
What kinematics formulas do you know that may be relevant to this problem?
 
ΔV= (Vf - Vi) = at

Vf = 0, Vi = 4, a = g = -9.8

(0 - 4) = (-9.8)t

- 4 = -9.8t

.41 = t
 
Last edited:
vector wise, if you start somewhere and go up in the air and come back down the resultant will be 0 because you landed in the same spot you started from right?

consider that a secret hint

break it down into what you know:
a= -9.8m/s
d=?
t=?
Vo=4m/s
Vf= _____

can you get 3 of those to solve for a 4th one?
 
Use: v^2=u^2+2as

where v is final velocity = 0, u is inital velocity = 4m/s, and a is -9.8m/s^2. s is the displacement which is what you are looking for.
 
Last edited:

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