How to solve for time till object hits ground when thrown upwards off a cliff?

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In summary, to solve for the time till an object hits the ground when thrown upwards off a cliff with only the initial velocity and height of the cliff, you can use the equation d = vt + 1/2(atsquared) and solve for t using the quadratic formula. The vertical displacement (-d) is used because the time you are looking for is when the object reaches the ground and it will have fallen the same distance as it was thrown up. Therefore, there is no need to factor in the height it was thrown from.
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How do you properly solve for the time till an object hits the ground when its thrown upwards off a cliff? With only The initial velocity and the hieght of the cliff. Thx :smile:
 
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  • #2
What goes up, must come down. It may not have been written but you were also given the acceleration due to gravity. (9.8m/s^2). Gravity is first acting against the object being thrown up, then it will reach a point where v = 0. Then the object will return down as gravity works with the object.
 
  • #3
But this is going up from the top of the cliff, then down, passing the point where it was thrown. Do you have to do 2 separate calulations?
 
  • #4
How do you properly solve for the time till an object hits the ground when its thrown upwards off a cliff? With only The initial velocity and the hieght of the cliff.

Find vertical info.
Vertical
d = vt + 1/2(atsquared)
you have v, d is the height of the cliff (a negative value) and you have a(-9.8m/ssquared which is gravity), solve for t using quadratic formula. The time vertically is the same as time horizontally but since you are only looking for time the horizontal info is not necessary.
 
  • #5
lol but wut about the height that its thrown first, isn't it that plus the hieght of the cliff?
 
  • #6
No because you are looking for the time when the ball reaches the ground. Therefore you have to ask yourself what will be the vertical displacement for the time you are looking for. It is -d. This makes sense because althought the ball will go up for a certain d, it will also come back down for that same d just in the opposite direction and will continue moving until it has fallen the height of the cliff (-d)
 

1. What is the initial velocity of an object thrown upwards from a cliff?

The initial velocity of an object thrown upwards from a cliff can vary depending on the strength and angle of the throw, as well as other factors such as air resistance. However, it is generally calculated to be zero since the object starts at rest before being thrown.

2. How does the height of the cliff affect the time it takes for the object to reach the ground?

The height of the cliff will affect the time it takes for the object to reach the ground. The higher the cliff, the longer it will take for the object to fall due to the force of gravity. This can be calculated using the equation t = √(2h/g), where t is time, h is height, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

3. What is the impact of air resistance on an object thrown upwards from a cliff?

Air resistance can have a significant impact on an object thrown upwards from a cliff. As the object moves through the air, it will experience resistance which will slow it down. This can result in a shorter distance traveled and a longer time in the air compared to a scenario without air resistance.

4. What is the maximum height an object can reach when thrown upwards from a cliff?

The maximum height an object can reach when thrown upwards from a cliff is dependent on its initial velocity and the height of the cliff. In theory, the maximum height would be infinite, but in reality, air resistance and other factors will limit the height the object can reach.

5. Can an object thrown upwards from a cliff have a negative velocity?

Yes, an object thrown upwards from a cliff can have a negative velocity, particularly as it reaches its maximum height and begins to fall back towards the ground. Negative velocity simply means the object is moving downward, and it is a natural part of the object's trajectory when thrown upwards from a cliff.

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