The title could be How to Calculate Speed and Velocity in a Bouncing Experiment?

  • Thread starter Thread starter miles johnstone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Motion Time
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the investigation of the bouncing ability of a golf ball and a tomato dropped from a height of 2.00m. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the calculations of speed and velocity related to the objects' behavior upon impact and rebound.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of kinematic equations, specifically the SUVAT equations, to determine the speed of the golf ball just before it hits the ground. There are questions about the definitions of variables and the assumptions made regarding time and initial velocity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on identifying the relevant equations and clarifying variable definitions. The discussion is ongoing, with multiple interpretations of the problem being explored, particularly regarding the use of time in calculations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of math knowledge and expresses a desire to understand the concepts better without needing constant assistance from the teacher. There is also a note about the expected answer for one of the calculations, indicating a discrepancy in understanding the problem setup.

miles johnstone
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Vinh is investigating the bouncing ability of a golf ball and a tomato. He drops both objects from a height of 2.00m and measures the rebound heights. He found the the golf ball rebounded to 1.50m and the tomato just splattered without rebounding at all.
a) what was the speed of the golf ball jut before it hit the ground?
b) What was the speed of the tomato just before it hit the ground?
c) Calculate the speed of the golf ball ar is rebounded.
d) whitch object had the grater charge in speed as it bounced or splattered? Calculate the speed chande of this object.
e) which of these objects expireanced the greater charge in velicity as it bounced or splattered? Caculate the velocity change of this object.


The whole question I just don't get.

a) a=9.8m/s u=? x=2m t=2
x=vt+1/2at^2
2=uX2+1/2X10Xt^2
2=uX2+5Xt^2
2=uX2+5X4
2=uX2+20
u=2X2+20

u=4+20
u=24
(this answer was suppose to be 6.26m/s. I couldn't figure out how to get that number.)

I've started physics on this level with VERY little math knowledge but I want to study The Universe so I took it as my last year at high school subject.
I don't know how to do these questions very well I get confused and don't feel like making my teacher sit down every spear and going thought it with me.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you do question "a" if I edit it to just this...

He drops both objects from a height of 2.00m...a) what was the speed of the golf ball jut before it hit the ground?
 
miles johnstone said:

a) a=9.8m/s u=? x=2m t=2
x=vt+1/2at^2

It would help if you defined your variables in plain english first

"u" is normally the initial velocity so u=0
"t" is normally time but that's not specified so where did you get t=2 from?

Are you familiar with the SUVAT equations?
 
Yeah I am, I'm so new at this so I'm still trying to figure all of it out! Thank you for your help!
 
Ok so question "a" askes for the final velocity (v) and gives you the distance/height (s) and the acceleration (a). You also know the initial velocity (u). Which of the SUVAT equations is most useful in that situation? I would suggest it's not one that needs time (t).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K