The Mystery of Ball Bearing: Height, Velocity and Position

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the motion of a ball bearing falling from a height, specifically focusing on the time it takes to solidify, its velocity upon reaching the bottom, and the mathematical relationships governing its motion. The subject area is kinematics, particularly under constant acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to approach the problem due to a lack of prior physics knowledge. Some participants suggest looking into kinematics equations related to constant acceleration. Questions arise regarding the appropriateness of the problem given the poster's background.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring foundational concepts in kinematics and discussing the expectations set by the course. Some guidance has been offered regarding relevant equations, but there is no explicit consensus on how to proceed with the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions not being provided with formulas and expresses concern about their preparedness for the assignment, which is part of an introductory engineering class.

ur5pointos2sl
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The question states:
Ball bearing are made by letting spherical drops of molten metal fall inside a tall tower, and they solidify as they fall.

a) If a bearing needs 4.0s to solidify, how high must the tower be?
b) What is the bearing velocity when it reaches the bottom?
c) What mathematical relationship describes the ball's velocity vs time? Acceleration?
d) What mathematical relationship describes the ball's position vs. time?

I wasnt given any formulas and have never taken physics and have no idea where to start this. Any help to get started would be appreciated. Thanks
 
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You have to look up the subject of kinematics of an object with constant acceleration. Stuff like y(t)=y0+vy0*t+(1/2)*g*t^2, vy(t)=vy0+g*t. Why are they giving you a question like this if you have no exposure to the subject?
 
Dick said:
You have to look up the subject of kinematics of an object with constant acceleration. Stuff like y(t)=y0+vy0*t+(1/2)*g*t^2, vy(t)=vy0+g*t. Why are they giving you a question like this if you have no exposure to the subject?

Intro Engineering Class. Our professor expects us to just know all of this stuff for some reason. I will look that up and see what I can find out. Thanks
 
ur5pointos2sl said:
Intro Engineering Class. Our professor expects us to just know all of this stuff for some reason. I will look that up and see what I can find out. Thanks

Good luck. It shouldn't be too hard to find, any elementary physics book should do. Once you know enough to try to start, let us know if there are any problems.
 

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