Homework Help Overview
The problem involves a ball dropped from a cliff, with a specific focus on calculating the time taken for its descent after a given time for half of the fall. The context is within the subject area of kinematics, particularly free fall under the influence of gravity.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants discuss the application of kinematic equations to determine the time of descent and height of the cliff. There are questions about sign conventions and the implications of negative time in the calculations. Some participants explore the correct interpretation of distance in relation to the chosen origin.
Discussion Status
The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on sign conventions and clarifying the equations used. There is an exploration of different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the signs of variables in the equations.
Contextual Notes
There is a noted confusion regarding the sign convention for distance and time, as well as the implications of the chosen origin for the coordinate system. The original poster's calculations have led to questions about their validity, particularly concerning negative values.
Looks wrong to me. Time can't be negative, can it? Also, shouldn't the answer be less than 3?