Laws of Motion- dropping book off building with a twist

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a physics book dropped from a height of 240.1 m while being acted upon by a horizontal wind force of 11 N. The discussion centers around calculating the distance from the building when the book hits the ground, the time taken to reach the ground, and the speed of the book upon impact.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of kinematic equations to determine time of fall and horizontal distance. There is discussion about the correct application of acceleration components and whether to denote horizontal acceleration as "x" or "ax".

Discussion Status

Participants have made progress in calculating time to fall and horizontal distance, with some expressing uncertainty about terminology and the components of acceleration. Guidance has been provided regarding the use of terms and the approach to solving the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of ignoring air resistance, and participants are working within the constraints of the problem as posed, including the specific forces acting on the book.

a.k
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Homework Statement


A 2.0kg physics book is dropped from the roof of a skyscraper 240.1 m high. While the book is falling to the ground, a horizontal wind exerts a constant force of 11 N on it. Ignore air resistance.

a. How far from the building is the book when it hits the ground?
b. How long does it take the book to hit the ground?
c. What is the speed of the book when it hits the ground?


Homework Equations


ay=-g=-9.8m/s^2
ax=force of the wind/m


The Attempt at a Solution


Using the second formula,

11N/2kg=5.5 m/s^2

I would like some advice as to what to do now.
 
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Ok, I figured out some more info. on this problem.

For part b,

t=sqrt(2y/ay)

2*-240.1

sqrt(49)

t=7 secs
 
a.k said:
Ok, I figured out some more info. on this problem.

For part b,

t=sqrt(2y/ay)

2*-240.1

sqrt(49)

t=7 secs
Good. Now use the horizontal acceleration you calculated to solve part a.
 
So part a,

x=1/2axt^2

1/2(5.5)(7)^2
269.5/2
x=134.75 m

Im not sure if using "x" is correct. It is suppose to show horizontal accel, so ax?
 
a.k said:
So part a,

x=1/2axt^2

1/2(5.5)(7)^2
269.5/2
x=134.75 m
Good.

Im not sure if using "x" is correct. It is suppose to show horizontal accel, so ax?
Calling the horizontal component of acceleration ax is fine.
 
Ok I am working on part c and ax is actually 5.5 m/s^2. I am confusing myself.
 
a.k said:
Ok I am working on part c and ax is actually 5.5 m/s^2. I am confusing myself.
Find the vertical and horizontal components of the velocity when it hits the ground.
 
Vy=ayt
Vx=axt

Vy=-68.6 m/s
Vx=38.5 m/s

V=sqrt(38.5^2+-68.6^2)
sqrt(6188.21)
V=78.67 m/s
 
Good job!
 

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