Kinetic projectile motion (Helicopter questions)

AI Thread Summary
A helicopter drops a coke bottle from a height of 30.0m while ascending at 3.0m/s, and the question is how long it takes for the bottle to hit the ground. Initial calculations attempted to determine the upward distance before falling but were deemed unnecessary. The correct approach involves using the formula y = y_o + v_o*t + a*t^2/2, where y_o is the initial height, v_o is the initial velocity, and a is acceleration due to gravity. The discussion emphasizes that factoring or using quadratic equations is not allowed for this problem, as it is intended to simplify the learning process. Ultimately, the solution confirms that the bottle takes approximately 2.8 seconds to reach the ground.
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Homework Statement



A helicopter flies upward at 3.0m/s. The pilot drops a coke bottle when the helicopter is 30.0m above ground. How long will it take the coke bottle to hit the ground?
(2.8s)

*Note* We can't factor or use quadratics to solve

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



First I tried to calculate the distance the coke bottle will go upward before falling downward:

Vf2-Vi2/2a = d

9/19.62

0.459

Then I added that to the distance... D(total) = 0.459m + 30.0m = 30.459m

Then I attempted to find the time from there using the formula:

d = vi(t) + 1/2 a t(squared)

Vi from the maximum height (Total distance) is zero so

Sqrt(2d/a) = t

Sqrt(60.918/9.81)
Sqrt(6.20978)
t = 2.4919
= 2.5s

Im off by .3 please help!
 
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Just use the equation normally. Don't calculate the first thing you did.

So basically just use:
d=v_{i}t-4.9t^{2}+h
h being the initial height.
Then you'll end up factoring and have 1 of the answers
 
iRaid said:
Just use the equation normally. Don't calculate the first thing you did.

So basically just use:
d=v_{i}t-4.9t^{2}+h
h being the initial height.
Then you'll end up factoring and have 1 of the answers

Sorry I forgot to mention it earlier but we weren't supposed to factor or use quadratic equations :(
 
You only need one formula,

y = y_o + v_o*t + a*t^2/2

You know y_o, v_o, and a
 
Spinnor said:
You only need one formula,

y = y_o + v_o*t + a*t^2/2

You know y_o, v_o, and a

I'm not sure which formula that is unfortunately as its not on my formula sheet, so I don't think I would be allowed to use it.
 
Why can't you factor lol?
 
iRaid said:
Why can't you factor lol?

Apparantly we are supposed to be able to figure this out without factoring (She says its to refrain us from using calculus later on in the course as if we do we won't get marks on the question)
 
Thanks everyone I figured it out using a couple different formulas! Thanks for helping!
 
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