Solving for Distance of Pit: 2 Seconds & 332m/s

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In summary, the conversation discusses a problem where a boy drops a stone into a pit and a sound is heard 2 seconds later. The question asks for the distance of the bottom of the pit. The attempt at a solution involves using the speed of sound and the time it took for the sound to travel to calculate the distance. However, the answer may not be accurate as it does not take into account the time it took for the stone to fall to the bottom of the pit. The poster questions if the question itself is incorrect, but it is determined that the question is valid and the solution needs to consider the two different times involved.
  • #1
andorei
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Homework Statement



A boy dropped a stone at a pit. A sound was heard 2 seconds later. What is the distance of the bottom of the pit?

The Attempt at a Solution


Given:
Time - 2 Seconds
Vsound - 332m/s

332m/s * 2s = 664meters.

I think it is somewhat wrong. Maybe purely wrong. I asked my teacher if the question has anything to do with vertical acceleration but my teacher said no.
 
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  • #2
You need to consider the time it took for the stone to fall to the bottom of the pit.
 
  • #3
Only the time is known.

But using (at^2)/2, the answer is reasonable.
 
  • #4
*Also assuming that the 2seconds is the time it took for the stone to fall to the bottom of the pit.
 
  • #5
2 seconds includes two parts,first,the time sound requires to travel a distance of pit,second,the time stone requires to fall to the bottom
 
  • #6
@zj8651731 - Does this mean that the question itself is wrong?
 
  • #7
There's nothing wrong with the question. Call the unknown distance to the bottom of the pit X. How long does it take to for the stone to fall that distance? How long does it take for the sound of the stone hitting bottom take to get back to the top? Those two times must add to what total time?
 

1. How do you solve for the distance of a pit in 2 seconds with a speed of 332m/s?

To solve for distance, you can use the formula D = V * t, where D is the distance, V is the velocity, and t is the time. In this case, D = 332m/s * 2s = 664m.

2. What units should be used when solving for distance?

The distance should be measured in meters (m), as this is the standard unit for distance in the metric system. The velocity should also be in meters per second (m/s) to ensure consistency in units.

3. Can this formula be used for any object moving at a constant speed?

Yes, the formula D = V * t can be used for any object moving at a constant speed, as long as the units are consistent. This formula is commonly used in physics and is known as the distance formula.

4. How accurate is the distance calculated using this formula?

The accuracy of the distance calculated using this formula depends on the accuracy of the measurements used for velocity and time. The more precise the measurements, the more accurate the calculated distance will be.

5. What other factors should be considered when solving for distance using this formula?

When using this formula, it is important to consider any external factors that may affect the speed or distance of the object, such as air resistance or changes in terrain. These factors may impact the accuracy of the calculated distance.

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