Tennis: Fan Height Calculation from Ball Speed

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the height of a fan catching a tennis ball based on its speed before and after the bounce. The ball bounces upward at 16 m/s, while the fan catches it at 12 m/s. To solve this problem, one must apply the principles of energy conservation, specifically the equation mgh_i + 0.5m(v_i)^2 = mgh_f + 0.5m(v_f)^2. This approach allows for the determination of the fan's height above the court.

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  • Understanding of kinematic equations
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  • Familiarity with gravitational potential energy calculations
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in applying mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios, particularly in sports physics.

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Homework Statement


In a tennis match, a player wins a point by hitting the ball sharply to the ground on the opponents side of the net. If the ball bounces upward from the ground with a speed of 16m/s and is caught by a fan with a speed of 12 m/s, how high above the court is the fan?


Homework Equations


Don't know.


The Attempt at a Solution


How do I start this question?
 
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Start with finding out if there is potential gravitational/spring/kinematic enegery at the beginning or at the end.

[tex]mgh_i + .5m(v_i)^2 + .5k(x_i)^2 = mgh_f + .5m(v_f)^2 + .5k(x_f)^2[/tex]
 
k i'll do that
 

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