Speed/Dist Question: Homework Solutions

[a.k]

Homework Statement

Santa arrives at the local mall by helicopter and, as the helicopter steadily descends at 1.0 m/s, he releases a bag of candy to the children waiting below. After 3 seconds:

a. what is the speed of the bag of candy?
b. how far is it below Santa’s helicopter?
c. What are the answers for parts (a) and (b) if Santa’s helicopter is departing, rising steadily at 1.0 m/s?

Homework Equations

For a. v=v₀+gt

negative velocity and grav due to descend.

The Attempt at a Solution

a. -1 m/s+(-9.8m/s^2)(3s)
-1+(-29.4)
=-30.4 m/s^2

I need some assistance for the next step...

 

[jackarms]

Do you mean b for the next step? That looks right for the speed of the bag, but check your units. $\frac{m}{s^{2}}$ is a unit of acceleration, not speed. For b you want to calculate the distance the bag falls in that 3 seconds, and then compare that to the location of the helicopter also at 3 seconds.