Solving a Robot Probe Homework Problem on Mars

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a robot probe dropping a camera from a height of 239 meters on Mars, where the acceleration due to gravity is -3.7 m/s². Participants are exploring the calculations needed to determine the final velocity of the camera upon impact with the ground and the time it takes to reach the ground.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the correct interpretation of displacement in the context of free fall, noting that the displacement should be negative due to the downward motion. There are questions about the sign of the final velocity and whether it should also be negative, reflecting the direction of motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the initial setup and calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the sign conventions for displacement and velocity, but there is no explicit consensus on the final calculations yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of using negative values for displacement and velocity in their calculations, which is a key aspect of understanding the problem. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the signs reflect the physical situation of the camera falling.

inedhelpinphy
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Homework Statement


a robot probe drops a camara off the rim of a 239 m high cliff on mars, where the freefall acceleration is -3.7 m/s^2. a. fiind the velocity wl which the camara hits the ground. b. find the tiime required for it to hit the ground.


Homework Equations



vf^2= vi^2+2ad

The Attempt at a Solution



a=-3.7m/s^2
d=239m
vi=0m/s
vf=? ned to find
t=?

vf^2=vi^2+2ad
vf^2=-1786.6
 
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d is actually -239m since it's falling. which means starting from 239 m and falling down to 0m so the change is -239m. the vf you will then calculate is actually negative like the acceleration since, again, it is falling downwards on the y axis
 
Looks good except your displacement should be negative, \Delta d=0-239m

That will make your value for v_f^2 positive and you should be able to proceed.
 
tyvm! but i want to just ask 1 more question... so then will the final velocity be negative?b/c it is falling
 
yes the vf will be negative, like i said in my previous reply >_>
 

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