How Is the Horizontal Distance Calculated When a Stone Drops on a Moving Log?

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In summary, the question is asking about the horizontal distance between a log and a bridge when a stone is dropped from rest from a 75-meter-high bridge and lands on the log as it passes under the bridge. The log is moving at a constant speed of 50 meters per second. It is found that the answer is approximately 200 meters, but there may be some error in the question. Using the equation for the displacement of the stone, it is possible to calculate the time it takes to fall and use that to determine the distance of the log at the moment the stone is dropped.
  • #1
eureka360
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hi guys.. could you please explain why 2.0x10^1 meters is the answer of the horizontal distance between the log and the bridge when the stone is dropped from rest from a 75-m-high bridge and lands on the log as it passess under the bridge if the log moves with a constant speed of 50 meters per second?
 
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  • #2
Are you sure the answer is 20 meters? Its either ur answer is wrong or that the log is travellin at a speed too fast in water!
 
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  • #3
eureka360 said:
hi guys.. could you please explain why 2.0x10^1 meters is the answer of the horizontal distance between the log and the bridge when the stone is dropped from rest from a 75-m-high bridge and lands on the log as it passess under the bridge if the log moves with a constant speed of 50 meters per second?

Doesn't sound right. From the equation of the displacement of the stone [tex]y = 75 - \frac{1}{2}gt^2[/tex] you can obtain the time it takes to fall down, by setting y equal to zero and solving for t. Further on, use that time to obtain the distance of the log at the moment just before the stone is dropped.
 
  • #4
well. The answer should be approximately 200 if the values given are correct. Or else, there may be some error in the question.
 
  • #5
gunblaze said:
well. The answer should be approximately 200 if the values given are correct. Or else, there may be some error in the question.

Yes, it's near 200 [m].
 
  • #6
the log is traveling 50 meters per second.. yeah i think its 200 meters..ok.. i got it.. thanks guys...
 

What is the horizontal distance?

The horizontal distance is the distance measured in a straight line between two points along a horizontal plane. It is the shortest distance between two points on a horizontal surface.

How is the horizontal distance calculated?

The horizontal distance can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the hypotenuse (the longest side of a right triangle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. In the case of horizontal distance, the hypotenuse is the straight line distance between the two points, and the other two sides are the vertical and horizontal distances between the points.

Why is horizontal distance important?

Horizontal distance is important because it is a fundamental measurement used in many fields, such as engineering, physics, and geography. It is essential for determining the position and orientation of objects and for analyzing and predicting motion and forces.

What is the difference between horizontal distance and vertical distance?

The main difference between horizontal distance and vertical distance is the direction in which they are measured. Horizontal distance is measured along a horizontal plane, while vertical distance is measured along a vertical plane. Additionally, horizontal distance is typically measured in terms of length or distance, while vertical distance is measured in terms of height or elevation.

Can the horizontal distance be negative?

No, the horizontal distance cannot be negative. It is always a positive value, as it represents the shortest distance between two points on a horizontal surface. If the points are in opposite directions, the horizontal distance will be measured as a negative value for one of the points, but the overall distance will still be positive.

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