Max Height of Ball Thrown Up in 0.5 Seconds at 2m Window

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SUMMARY

The maximum height of a ball thrown upwards, observed for 0.5 seconds through a 2-meter tall window, can be calculated using 1D kinematic equations. The initial velocity is derived from the equation V^2 = V_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0), where V is the final velocity at the peak (0 m/s), a is the acceleration due to gravity (-9.8 m/s²), and x - x_0 is the height above the window. The correct maximum height calculation reveals that the ball reaches approximately 2.88 meters above the ground, factoring in the height of the window.

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Homework Statement


A ball thrown up falls back down in front of a window from where an observer sees the ball for a total of 0.5 seconds. The window is 2 m. tall. What is the maximum height of the ball?


Homework Equations


1D Kinematic equations


The Attempt at a Solution


YGHmW.png


I got that initial velocity from the bottom of the window by using V^2 = V_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0).

I set the seconds to 0.25 since 0.5 is the total, and -9.8 for the acceleration of gravity.

Then I plugged all of that back into V^2 = V_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0) by setting V^2 = 0 because the velocity at the highest point is 0, V_0 is the previously found initial velocity, acceleration is -9.8 again, and x - x_0 is the unknown. I got 1.88 m., which is obviously wrong because the window itself is 2m. But I guess it could be the answer, but I'm not sure. It doesn't look right.
 
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PhizKid said:
I got that initial velocity from the bottom of the window by using V^2 = V_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0).

How did you get the initial velocity from this?
 
Take maximum height as the starting point where the ball being dropped.
 

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