Projectile Motion, finding g on a planet

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on calculating the free-fall acceleration (g) on a planet based on an astronaut's jump parameters. The astronaut can achieve a maximum horizontal distance of 10.0 meters with an initial speed of 2.40 m/s. The position functions for horizontal (x) and vertical (y) motion are utilized, leading to a calculated time of flight of 5.89 seconds. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting the given data to find the vertical displacement (y_f) necessary for determining g.

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steph35
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Homework Statement


An astronaut on a strange planet finds that she can jump a maximum horizontal distance of 10.0 m if her initial speed is 2.40 m/s.

Homework Equations


What is the free-fall acceleration on the planet? (Ignore air resistance.)

The Attempt at a Solution


So in order to this I used both position functions in the x and y directions to get. x_f= 2.40(cos45)t and y_f= 2.40(sin45)t-(1/2)gt^2. i solved for t to get the time which is t= 5.89 seconds. and then now i know i have to find y_f so then i can plug it in and find g! but how am i supposed to find y_f without a equation that is also dependent on g?
 
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Hi steph35! :smile:
steph35 said:
An astronaut on a strange planet finds that she can jump a maximum horizontal distance of 10.0 m if her initial speed is 2.40 m/s.

but how am i supposed to find y_f … ?

erm … it's obvious what yf is :wink: … it's given in the question, isn't it? :rolleyes:
 

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