The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the time it takes for a weight to fall 120 meters, specifically using the SUVAT equations. The original poster presents two scenarios: one where the weight is dropped and another where it is thrown downwards with an initial velocity.
There is an ongoing exploration of how to solve the quadratic equation that arises from the problem setup. Some participants have offered guidance on using the quadratic formula, while others are clarifying the steps involved in solving for t.
Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the SUVAT equations and quadratic equations, indicating a range of understanding within the discussion. The original poster acknowledges a mistake in their initial approach, which has led to further inquiry and clarification among participants.
RUber said:I am not familiar with SUVAT, could you provide more detail?
In your equation S = Ut+ .5At^2, the only thing that changes from your first problem is that now u is not 0.
You will end up with a quadratic equation for t. Pick the positive solution.
Have you ever solved a quadratic equation?Rumplestiltskin said:How would I isolate t?
SteamKing said:Have you ever solved a quadratic equation?