Position of Object Dropping from 100 ft: t=0, x=0?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the position of an object dropped from a height of 100 feet, specifically addressing the initial conditions at time t=0. Participants are examining the definitions of position in relation to the object's drop height.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question why the position x is defined as 0 when t=0, given that the object is dropped from 100 feet. There is exploration of the author's choice in defining the coordinate system.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the flexibility of defining coordinate systems in physics. Some guidance has been offered regarding the implications of different definitions of position.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the arbitrary nature of coordinate definitions, with participants noting that the choice of where to set x=0 can vary based on the context of the problem.

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Homework Statement



for part b , why when t = 0 , x= 0 , why not x =100 ? the author gave that the object drop from height of 100ft at the start of the question.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

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foo9008 said:

Homework Statement



for part b , why when t = 0 , x= 0 , why not x =100 ? the author gave that the object drop from height of 100ft at the start of the question.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

The author is defining the point at which the object is dropped as x = 0, and the point on the ground as x = 100.
 
Mark44 said:
The author is defining the point at which the object is dropped as x = 0, and the point on the ground as x = 100.
Is it wrong to consider x=100 when t=0??
 
foo9008 said:
Is it wrong to consider x=100 when t=0??
Yes, if you're trying to follow the author's work.
 
There are no "coordinates", x, y, t, etc. automatically given by a physical situation- you define those yourself. Here, where we have an object dropped from a height we can choose to take x to be 0 at the ground, in which case x(0)= 100, or we can choose to take the x to be 0 at the point from which the object was dropped so that x(0)= 0. We can also choose in which direction to take x to be positive or negative.
 

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