Question about freely falling objects

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a stone thrown vertically upwards from the edge of a cliff, requiring the calculation of the time it takes to reach the ground. The context includes concepts from kinematics, specifically dealing with motion under gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the kinematic equation for height to set up a quadratic equation. They express uncertainty about whether to first calculate the upward distance the stone travels before considering the height of the cliff.

Discussion Status

Some participants affirm the original poster's calculations, suggesting that the answer of 3 seconds appears correct. However, there is no explicit consensus on the approach to the problem, particularly regarding the initial upward motion of the stone.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of defining downward motion as positive and the effects of initial velocity on the overall motion of the stone. There is a lack of clarity on whether the upward distance should be factored into the total height calculation.

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Homework Statement


Q: A stone is thrown vertically upwards with initial speed of 5 m/s from edge of a cliff 30 m high. Find the time needed for the stone to reach the ground (in seconds).


Homework Equations


1. (h= Vo t - 0.5 g t^2)
2. Quadratic equation:
3ea647783b5121989cd87ca3bb558916.png



The Attempt at a Solution


First I will use this equation: (h= Vo t - 0.5 g t^2)
-30 = (5) t - 5 t^2
Now I divide by 5 and it will be like this
t^2 - t - 6
Then, I use the quadratic equation
\frac{-(-1)+\sqrt{(-1)^2-4(1)(-6)}}{2(1)}

The answer is 3, is that right?

Another question, I am not sure..
maybe I need to calculate the upward vertical distance it will go first.. then I sum it with the actual height which is 30 m?
 
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RuthlessTB said:
The answer is 3, is that right?
Looks right to me.
 
simple calculation..
considering down as positive...
h=ut+1/2at.t
h=30 m
a= 10 m/s.s
u=-5m/s

30=-5t+5t.t
t=3 s
 
simple calculation..
considering down as positive...
h=ut+1/2at.t
h=30 m
a= 10 m/s.s
u=-5m/s

30=-5t+5t.t
t=3 s
 

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