Motion Q: Dropping/Throwing Stone in Water-Vi, Vf, a, t, d

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the motion of a stone dropped or thrown into water, focusing on the variables of initial velocity (Vi), final velocity (Vf), acceleration (a), time (t), and distance (d). Participants explore the application of SUVAT equations to determine these variables based on given conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of SUVAT equations and question which variables are known or needed. There is uncertainty about whether to find acceleration, initial velocity, or final velocity. Some suggest using specific equations that relate the known variables.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered equations and reasoning related to the problem, with some confirming the appropriateness of certain equations. There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to approach the problem, and while some calculations have been presented, there is no explicit consensus on the final values or methods to be used.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of the problem, such as the specific variables given and the requirement to find initial velocity without needing to solve for final velocity. There is also mention of a related but distinct problem involving a leaf moving downstream, prompting a suggestion to start a new thread for that discussion.

Jeff97
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Homework Statement
I'm asked to calculate a stone being dropped from rest to hit the water it takes 2.7s.

Now they throw the stone and it takes only 2.3s to reach the water what's was the speed they threw it at?
Relevant Equations
Vf=Vi+at d = 0.5 * g * t2
What I know for Number 1. t=2.7s d=? Vi=0m/s^-1 a=9.8m/s^-2 Vf=? Equation to use? Vf=Vi+at= 0+9.8m/s^-2x2.3= 26.46m/s So for number one the final velocity is 26.46m/s d = 0.5 * g * t2 = 0.5x9.8x2.7^2=35.721

Number 2 I know t=2.3s d=35.721 vi? Vf? a=9.8? what formula do I use?
 
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Jeff97 said:
t=2.3s d=35.721 vi? Vf? a=9.8? what formula do I use?
In the commonest form of the SUVAT equations there are five variables, s, t, a, vi and vf. Five equations each omit one and use the other four.
Which of the five variables is not interesting? Which equation does that imply?
 
I was hoping you'd be able to assist me with this. But since you asked me I'll try my best. Are we finding acceleration or Vf or Vi this is what I'm unsure about? As I know s=35.7 t=2.3s I also believe I know acceleration to be $$9.8m/s^-2$$ I seem to only know 3 variables? As for the answer to this question I'm thinking it's either 4.244m/s I haven't had s similar question before so could use some help!
 
Jeff97 said:
Are we finding acceleration or Vf or Vi
It asks for the speed at which the stone was thrown, so vi. So do you know a SUVAT equation involving that and s, a and t? (I know you do!)
 
$$s=ut+1/2at^2$$ This could be wrong but I presume it correct because it contains s,a,t and Vi(u) and doesn't contain Vf which we don't know and aren't asked to solve during this question?
 
Jeff97 said:
$$s=ut+1/2at^2$$ This could be wrong but I presume it correct because it contains s,a,t and Vi(u) and doesn't contain Vf which we don't know and aren't asked to solve during this question?
That's the one.
 
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Alternate method using average velocity. Note that for uniform acceleration, average velocity occurs at the midpoint of the time interval separating ##v_i## and ##v_f##. ie $$v_{av}=v_i+\frac{aΔt}{2}=v_f-\frac{aΔt}{2}$$
First throw: $$v_{av1}\times2.7=d $$ Second throw: $$v_{av2}\times2.3=d$$ Hence: $$\frac{v_{av2}}{v_{av1}}=\frac{2.7}{2.3} $$ with ##v_{av1}=13.23 ms^{-1} ##
 
s=ut+1/2at^2 u=s/t - 1/2 at u=35.75/2.3-1/2x9.8x2.3= 4.27347826087 so about 4.3m s^1 ? is this the initial velocity he threw the ball at?
 
I've just found another problem corresponding somewhat to this: He then watches a leaf move down the stream at 0.30ms^1. He wants to drop a stone onto the leaf. Determine the position of the leaf at the instant when he must drop the stone.
 
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Jeff97 said:
s=ut+1/2at^2 u=s/t - 1/2 at u=35.75/2.3-1/2x9.8x2.3= 4.27347826087 so about 4.3m s^1 ? is this the initial velocity he threw the ball at?
Yes.
 
  • #11
Jeff97 said:
I've just found another problem corresponding somewhat to this: He then watches a leaf move down the stream at 0.30ms^1. He wants to drop a stone onto the leaf. Determine the position of the leaf at the instant when he must drop the stone.
This is rather different. Please start a new thread.
 
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  • #13
Jeff97 said:
@neilparker62 why is your answer different from mine?
@neilparker62 did not provide a finished answer. That analysis only went as far as finding the average speed in the thrown case. You need to combine that with an expression for the increase in speed in order to extract the initial speed.
 
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