Time vs Height - EASY but easily forgotten :/

  • Thread starter Thread starter Synix
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Height Time
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the initial velocity required for a cell phone to be thrown from a depth of 10 meters to reach a height above ground level, using the equation s(t) = s0 + v0t - 1/2gt^2. The acceleration due to gravity is specified as 9.8 m/s². Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the kinematic equation v_f² = v_i² + 2aΔs to determine the final velocity at the peak of the phone's trajectory. The solution requires careful application of these equations to derive the necessary initial velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically s(t) = s0 + v0t - 1/2gt^2
  • Familiarity with the concept of acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²)
  • Knowledge of initial and final velocity in projectile motion
  • Basic algebra for solving quadratic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of kinematic equations in projectile motion
  • Learn how to graph quadratic functions to visualize projectile trajectories
  • Explore the implications of varying initial velocities on the height achieved
  • Investigate real-world applications of projectile motion in construction and engineering
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and construction professionals who need to understand the principles of projectile motion and its applications in real-world scenarios.

Synix
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
1.Homework Statement
One day, while working on a downtown construction site, Eugenia accidentally dropped her cell phone into the large excavation on the site. Fortunately, the cell phone landed on a pile of soft Earth and was not damaged. She asked Tony, the construction manager, who was working nearby to throw the cell phone back up to her.

The height of an object thrown vertically up is modeled by

s(t) = s0 + v0t - 1/2gt^2

where s0 is the initial height above the ground, v0 is the initial velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity, t is the time, and s(t) is the height above the ground at time t.

If Tony is 10m below ground level, and the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8m/s^2, with what initial velocity must he throw the cell phone for it to reach Eugenia? Explain any assumptions you make and show your calculations, graphs, or both to justify your answer.

Homework Equations



h(t) = t^2 + t + c

s(t) = s0 + v0t - 1/2gt^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Fail.
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i169/Alkapwn/math2-1.jpg
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello Synix, welcome to PF!

Are you familiar with the equation v_f^2 = v_i^2 + 2a\Delta s ?

Thats the equation we need for this one. After Tony throws up the cellphone, when it reaches Eugenia it should be at the top of its flight. At this point, was is its velocity? I'm sure you can figure it out from here.
 

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
40
Views
3K
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K