Tiger leap physics

1. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

A tiger leaps horizontally from a 12 m high rock with speed of 4.5 m/s. How far from base will she land>

d=vit + 1/2a(t)(t)

12m=4.5m/s*t
t=2.66s

thats where i got stuck

2. Oct 10, 2007

learningphysics

The 12m is vertical displacement not horizontal.

Split the problem into 2 parts: 1) vertical. 2) horizontal.

The vertical part:

Use the equation: d = v1*t + (1/2)at^2, where v1 is the initial vertical velocity. what is a?

solve for t. Then do the horizontal part...

3. Oct 10, 2007

Staff: Mentor

Treat horizontal and vertical motion separately. To find the time, use that formula for vertical motion (which is accelerated motion with a = g = 9.8 m/s^2) and solve for t:
$$d = 1/2 a t^2$$

When you find the time, use a formula for the horizontal motion to find the horizontal distance. The horizontal motion is not accelerated.

4. Oct 10, 2007

Astronuc

Staff Emeritus
The are two parts to this problem.

One is to determine the time to fall 12 m, and the second part is determine who far the tiger travels horizontally during that time.

So part 1 - what is the forumla for ball some distance (height) under the influence of gravity. Use that to find T.

Then the tiger leaps horizontally with speed of 4.5 m/s. How far does the tiger travel in time T with a constant speed of 4.5 m/s.

5. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

i dont think i did this right but is a .00849?

i did 12 m=4.5m/s*2.66s+(1/2)at^2
12=11.97+3.53a
.03/3.53=3.53a/3.53
a=.00849

Last edited: Oct 10, 2007
6. Oct 10, 2007

Astronuc

Staff Emeritus
Please refer to Doc Al's comment. With respect to learningphysics's post, the initial vertical velocity is zero. One the tiger leaps (horizontally), it starts falling.

One uses the equation of motion in the vertical to find time t or T.

a = g = 9.8 m/s2

Please refer to the hyperphysics page.

7. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

what do i use to get the horizontal part

8. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

ok i got that the time is 2.66s

9. Oct 10, 2007

learningphysics

That's not right. Can you show your steps? Did you use the equation Doc Al posted?

10. Oct 10, 2007

Staff: Mentor

How did you arrive at that answer? (Note that that was your original answer, which is still incorrect.)

11. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

i am really stuck. i dont no what to next

12. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

i tried to use the equation
but this is how i came up with my answer
d=vit+(1/2)at^2
12=4.5t+(1/2)0t^2
12=4.5m/s*t
t=2.66s

13. Oct 10, 2007

learningphysics

d = v1*t + (1/2)at^2

v1 = 0, so

d = (1/2)at^2

taking down as positive and up as negative:

-12 = (1/2)(-9.8)t^2

solve for t.

14. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

but i guess a is 9.81m/s^2

15. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

t=1.56s

16. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

so how do i apply that to the horizontal part

17. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

x=7.02

18. Oct 10, 2007

helpinphysics

it is 7.02
x=0+4.5*1.56
x=7.02m

19. Oct 10, 2007

learningphysics

cool. looks right.

20. Oct 10, 2007

thank you!