Question on considering final velocity

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion, a homework problem involves a bolt falling from an elevator moving upward at 6.0 m/s. The key question raised is why the final velocity of the bolt cannot be considered zero when it reaches the bottom of the shaft. The explanation clarifies that the final velocity should be the speed of the bolt just before impact, as it continues to move downward due to gravity until it strikes the bottom. After the bolt hits the floor, other forces affect its motion, but it does not have a final velocity of zero until after the impact. Understanding the distinction between the bolt's motion and the elevator's motion is crucial for solving the problem correctly.
baird.lindsay
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Homework Statement



bolt comes loose underneath an elevator that is moving upward at a speed of 6.0 m/s and reaches the bottom in 3.0s . find how high above the bottom of the shaft it came loose and the speed of the bolt when it hits the bottom.

i figured out the problem but my question is why don't you consider the final velocity as 0 because when the bolt is on the bottom of the shaft there is no velocity? this is what i first tried to do when attempting to find the initial velocity but that is wrong...so i just wanted to know why i can't put v final as 0.


Homework Equations



vf=vo+at

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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You are considering the motion of the bolt under the influence of gravity alone. So the 'final' velocity in your kinematic analysis should be the speed of the bolt just before it hits the floor of the elevator.

After it hits the floor of the elevator, other forces come into play.
 
Because the velocity of the bolt does not go to zero until after it has struck the bottom of the shaft.
 
thank you!
 

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