Question on the free-fall of 2 bodies

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two stones projected from the top of a 100m high tower, one upward and the other downward, both with an initial velocity of 10m/s. The objective is to find the ratio of the velocities with which they strike the ground.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the different distances traveled by the two stones and question how this affects their final velocities. Some suggest considering the motion of the stone thrown upward and its return to the starting point.

Discussion Status

There are multiple interpretations being explored regarding the velocities of the stones upon impact. Some participants suggest that both stones will have the same velocity when they reach the ground, while others encourage revisiting the equations used to analyze the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the use of displacement in the equations may be a point of confusion, as it differs from the total distance traveled by the stones.

Mr.maniac
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1. The probleas
statement, all variables and given/known data

Two stones are projected from the top of a tower 100m high each with velocity of 10m/s. One is projected upward while the other is projected downward. Find the ratio of velocity's by with which they strike the ground.

Homework Equations


S= ut +1/2(a)(t)^2
(v)^2-(u)^2=2as
v=u+at[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


Let the stone projected upward be , body A
And the body projected downward be body B

For body A
(v)^2-(u)^2=2as
(v)^2-(100)=2(10)(100)
v=√(1900)
For body B before reaching max. height
(v)^2-(u)^2=2as
-(100)=(2)(10)(s)
5=s
For body B after reaching the max. height
(v)^2-(u)^2=2as
(v)^2=(2)(10)(105)
v=√(2100)

And I reached a dead end because
(10)(√21)/(10)(√19)

Ain't in the options
Please help
 
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Mr.maniac said:
1. The probleas
statement, all variables and given/known data

Two stones are projected from the top of a tower 100m high each with velocity of 10m/s. One is projected upward while the other is projected downward. Find the ratio of velocity's by with which they strike the ground.

Maybe you could do this without using any equations?
 
OK let me see
 
But the distance traveled by both the bodies is different
 
Mr.maniac said:
But the distance traveled by both the bodies is different

Try describing the motion of the ball that gets thrown up. Do you notice anything?
 
OK wait a sec
Is it that the second body gains the same velocity as the first on whenn it is100m high
 
Mr.maniac said:
OK wait a sec
Is it that the second body gains the same velocity as the first on whenn it is100m high

You mean if you throw a ball up at 10m/s, you know what speed it has when it comes back down to its starting point?
 
v=u+at (before reaching its highest point)
0=10+10t
1=t
Then it would take 1s to come back to its starting point and
v=u+at( after reaching the highest point)
v=10m/s
So basically both bodies start from the same point with the same vel. So the velocity before reaching the ground would be the same hence the answer is 1:1
 
Thanks for the help:wink:,
 
  • #10
Mr.maniac said:
v=u+at (before reaching its highest point)
0=10+10t
1=t
Then it would take 1s to come back to its starting point and
v=u+at( after reaching the highest point)
v=10m/s
So basically both bodies start from the same point with the same vel. So the velocity before reaching the ground would be the same hence the answer is 1:1

Yes, exactly. But, you may wish to go back to your equations and figure out how you got the wrong answer!

Hint: ##s## in the suvat equations is "displacement", not "total distance travelled".
 

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