Physics: vertical motion and velocity/kinematics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to vertical motion and kinematics, specifically focusing on the vertical component of velocity at the moment a ball strikes the ground after being thrown from a height.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the concept of vertical velocity, questioning whether it is always zero and discussing the implications of initial and final velocities in the context of the problem. There is a focus on understanding the vertical component at the point of impact.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants clarifying concepts and questioning assumptions about vertical velocity. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of kinematic equations and the importance of conceptual understanding, but no consensus has been reached on the interpretations of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the definitions of initial and final velocities, particularly in relation to specific scenarios presented in the problem. Participants are encouraged to think critically about the problem setup and the implications of their assumptions.

YMMMA
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Homework Statement


In the attached file

Homework Equations


Kinematics equations.

The Attempt at a Solution


The question asks about vertical component. Isn’t this always 0? Like in C the intial velocity is the horizontal velocity but the vertical one is 0. Same applies to all. Am I correct?
 

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YMMMA said:
The question asks about vertical component.
...at the point of impact with the ground.

Isn’t this always 0?
No.
in C the initial velocity is the horizontal velocity but the vertical one is 0.
Yes.
Same applies to all. Am I correct?
No.
 
lewando said:
...at the point of impact with the ground.No.

Yes.

No.
Could not understand ‘ at the point of impact with the ground ‘

And why E is wrong?
 
When you throw a ball off a tower it will eventually "hit the ground". The question is directly asking for the downward (vertical) component velocity at the moment the ball "strikes the ground". To be even more clear, this "moment" is actually the time right before the ball starts interacting with the ground.
 
lewando said:
When you throw a ball off a tower it will eventually "hit the ground". The question is directly asking for the downward (vertical) component velocity at the moment the ball "strikes the ground". To be even more clear, this "moment" is actually the time right before the ball starts interacting with the ground.
Final velocity, then?
 
Yes final velocity--at the time right before the ball begins to interact with the ground.
 
lewando said:
Yes final velocity--at the time right before the ball begins to interact with the ground.

Should I use the equation Vf=Vi+gt? Where Vi is 0 in C, but how should I check the other choices
 
YMMMA said:
Should I use the equation Vf=Vi+gt? Where Vi is 0 in C, but how should I check the other choices
This is more of a concept question, you should be able to arrive at an answer by thinking about it. So try thinking about it. And if you want to verify your thought process, go ahead and assign a tower height and specific values for initial velocity components see what results you get.

By the way, in post #5, that should be "final vertical velocity"
 
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lewando said:
This is more of a concept question, you should be able to arrive at an answer by thinking about it. So try thinking about it. And if you want to verify your thought process, go ahead and assign a tower height and specific values for initial velocity components see what results you get.

By the way, in post #5, that should be "final vertical velocity"
Okay, thank you!
 

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