Time that an object is in the air

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the total time an object is in the air when fired straight upward with an initial velocity. Participants are analyzing the relationship between time to reach maximum height and total time of flight, particularly in the context of gravitational effects on the object.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the interpretation of the question regarding whether the time in the air refers to the time to reach maximum height or the total time for the entire flight. There are differing views on how to calculate total time based on initial velocity and gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the validity of the provided answer choices. Some participants express uncertainty about the interpretation of the question and the accuracy of the answer key, while others provide their own calculations for total time and maximum height.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential discrepancies in the answer key and varying interpretations of the question's requirements. Some participants are unsure if the calculations align with the expected results, indicating a need for further clarification.

Kandy
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In a question, it asks for the time that an object is in the air; at first I thought it meant the time at max height, but I was told it should be the time at max height divided by 2 because the object goes up and down. But if the object goes up and down, wouldn't you mult by 2?
 
Last edited:
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The time it takes to reach max height x 2 would give you the total time it was in the air.

Either your reading a typo or I'm reading the question wrong.
 
Here's the question:
An object fired straight upward with an initial velocity of 1.0 x 10^2 m/s is subjected to the effects of gravitation.
In a previous question, I solved for max height, which was 5.1 x 10^2 m. (I'm not sure if this is related to the next question though).
The time the object is in the air is
a. 4.5 s
b. 9.0 s
c. 20 s
d. 10 s

I keep on getting d. 10s

vi(velocity initial)= 100m/s vf(final)= 0 a(acceleration)= -9.81m/s^2 displacement=not needed t(time)= ?

a = (vf - vi) / t
t = (vf - vi) / a
t = (0 - 100m/s) / (-9.81m/s^2)
t = (-100m/s) / (-9.81m/s^2)
t = 10s but the correct ans should be a. 4.5s :frown:
 
Last edited:
hmm...sounds strange too me. 4.5s total time for a projectile at shot 100m/s?
 
well, i could be wrong about total time, the question maybe asking for smthg else... I geuss I'll check if the ans key is wrong tomorrow... :wink:
 
yeah I get H = 510.20 meters, total time 20.4seconds, time at H(max) = 10.2 seconds
 
and even if you divide by 2 for whatever reason, you still wouldn't get 4.5s, so...

well, thanks!
 

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