Need Help Solving a Physics Problem? T=____?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem involving the motion of a tennis ball thrown vertically upwards. Participants explore the application of kinematic equations to determine the time it takes for the ball to hit the ground after being thrown, considering initial height, initial velocity, and constant acceleration due to gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 presents the problem and expresses confusion about the concept of a particle moving freely under gravity.
  • Post 2 outlines the initial conditions of the problem, applies the kinematic equation, and sets up the quadratic equation to solve for time.
  • Post 3 reiterates the same initial conditions and equation setup as Post 2, confirming the approach taken.
  • Post 4 confirms that only the positive solution to the quadratic equation is relevant for the context of the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to solving the problem and the relevance of using the positive solution, but there is no explicit consensus on the final answer as the discussion does not delve into the solution process beyond the setup.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions in the model used, such as the effects of air resistance or the accuracy of the acceleration due to gravity.

cake81
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Hello! I need help with this question:
A tennis ball is thrown in the air by a man so that at the instant when the ball leaves his hand, the ball is 2m above the ground and is moving vertically upwards with speed9m/s^-1
The motion of the ball is modlledas that of a particle moving freely under gravityand the acceleration due to gravity is modeled as being of constant magnitude of 10 m/s^-1
The ball hits theground T seconds after leaving the hand
Using the model, find the value of T

I don't know how togo about solving this because I don't understand the part with the particle moving freely
 
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Welcome, cake81! (Wave)

We are given an initial height of $y_0 = 2\,\text{m}$, an initial velocity of $v_0 = 9\, \text{m/s}$ in the upwards vertical direction, and an acceleration of $a = -10\,\text{m/s}$ (the acceleration vector faces downwards). Using the kinematic equation
$$y = y_0 + v_0 t + .5 at^2$$ with $y = 0$ we solve $0 = 2 + 9t + (.5)(10)t^2$, or $$5t^2 - 9t - 2 = 0$$ Can you take it from here?
 
Euge said:
Welcome, cake81! (Wave)

We are given an initial height of $y_0 = 2\,\text{m}$, an initial velocity of $v_0 = 9\, \text{m/s}$ in the upwards vertical direction, and an acceleration of $a = -10\,\text{m/s}$ (the acceleration vector faces downwards). Using the kinematic equation
$$y = y_0 + v_0 t + .5 at^2$$ with $y = 0$ we solve $0 = 2 + 9t + (.5)(10)t^2$, or $$5t^2 - 9t - 2 = 0$$ Can you take it from here?

thank you so much. i got 2, i only have to use the positive answer right?
 
Yes. Only the positive answer makes sense.
 

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