Position, Velocity: Rock Thrown Up & Dropped from 50ft Meet in Air

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving kinematics, specifically the motion of two rocks: one thrown straight up with an initial velocity and the other dropped from a height. The goal is to determine the time at which the two rocks meet in the air.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss setting equations for the positions of both rocks as functions of time and equating them to find the meeting time. There are attempts to apply kinematic equations, and some participants express confusion over negative time results and the correct application of acceleration signs.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various approaches and equations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the setup of equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or resolution of the negative time issue.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of initial heights and velocities, as well as the importance of correctly applying signs for acceleration in the equations. Some participants have noted the need for more information on the original poster's attempts to provide better assistance.

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if a person throws a rock strait up with an initial velocity of 25 m/s and a rock is dropped from a height of 50 ft. how do you determine the time at which they will meet in the air?
 
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You find two equations which describe the position of the two rocks as a function of time and then set them equal to one another.

If you have any more questions please post back with whatever work you have attempted so that we have a better idea as to how we can help you.
 
i got x = vi + (at^2)/2 and i plugged in my information and set them equal to each other but time comes out negative :bugeye:
 
Up: [tex]y_{2} = y_{1} + v_{1y}t + \frac{1}{2}at^2[/tex] v1 = 25, a = -9.8, what's your initial height when you throw it straight up? from the ground?

Drop: [tex]y_{2} = y_{1} + v_{1y}t + \frac{1}{2}at^2[/tex] v1=0, a=-9.8, y1=50.

You could set the y2's equal to each other.

[tex]50 - \frac{1}{2}gt^2 = 25t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2[/tex]
[tex]50 = 25t[/tex]

So, t=2 if the rock is thrown up from the ground, and if you take t=2 and put it into each, you end up with the same height, 30.4m.
 
u have 4 motion equations to work from.
 
Maybe it came out negative cause you forgot to put a minus sign on the acceleration of the rock going up?
 
Maybe you should show some work instead of being a lazy person and having others do it for you?
 

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