Tom Throws a Ball: Horizontal & Vertical Velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a ball thrown from a 45m high cliff with an initial horizontal velocity of 30 m/s. Participants are discussing the vertical and horizontal velocities at impact, as well as the time taken to reach the ground, considering the acceleration due to gravity as 10 m/s².

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of kinematic equations to determine vertical and horizontal velocities at impact. There is discussion on the correct time of fall and the relationship between distance, acceleration, and time.

Discussion Status

Some participants have proposed different methods to calculate the time of fall and the resulting velocities. There is a recognition of the need to clarify assumptions about initial conditions and the application of equations. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, with some guidance provided on the use of specific equations.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the time taken to fall and the application of kinematic equations, with some participants questioning the validity of their calculations and assumptions. The height of the cliff and the initial horizontal velocity are key parameters under discussion.

littledude565
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Homework Statement


Tom throws a ball of a cliff 45m nigh, with a velocity of 30 m/s. Take acceleration due to gravity as 10m/s. (It took 4.5s to reach the bottom)

What was its horizontal and acceleration velocitys when it hit the ground?

i used the first equation (v=u+at) and with substituion i got -42m/s for the acceleration velocity. Is this correct, and how would i find the horizontal? thanks for the help
 
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littledude565 said:

Homework Statement


Tom throws a ball of a cliff 45m nigh, with a velocity of 30 m/s. Take acceleration due to gravity as 10m/s. (It took 4.5s to reach the bottom)

What was its horizontal and acceleration velocitys when it hit the ground?

i used the first equation (v=u+at) and with substituion i got -42m/s for the acceleration velocity. Is this correct, and how would i find the horizontal? thanks for the help

Welcome to PF.

If your initial velocity was horizontal, then the time to fall is not given by the velocity relationship. That equation would be useful if you wanted to know how long it took to reach its height i.e when velocity goes to 0.

To find the time you need to use the relationship that relates distance and acceleration and time.

x = 1/2*g*t²
 
the g stands for gravity right? if so would the answer for the vertical be 101.25?
 
and the horizontal 30m/s as its a constant?
 
littledude565 said:
the g stands for gravity right? if so would the answer for the vertical be 101.25?

Based on what?

You'll have to show where that comes from.
 
in your equation x = 1/2*g*t²

So using that i did (assuming the G did stand for gravity). 1/2 * 10m/s*4.5s^2 and i got an answer of 101.25
 
littledude565 said:
in your equation x = 1/2*g*t²

So using that i did (assuming the G did stand for gravity). 1/2 * 10m/s*4.5s^2 and i got an answer of 101.25

You've run out the corral without the saddle there.

The height is given as 45 m. Your time calculation as I said already is not based on the first equation you applied. 4.5 sec is just plain wrong.

So start again with the right equation and find the correct time and then you can figure it out.
 
Ok using the s=1/2*(u+v)*t i did 45=15t, t=45/15 and so i got 3seconds. Is that correct?
 
littledude565 said:
Ok using the s=1/2*(u+v)*t i did 45=15t, t=45/15 and so i got 3seconds. Is that correct?

3 seconds is a much better value to use.
 
  • #10
so what equation do i use now? :S
 
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  • #11
ok so if the vertical velocity increases by 10 every second, would the answer then be 30m/s?
 
  • #12
littledude565 said:
ok so if the vertical velocity increases by 10 every second, would the answer then be 30m/s?

Yes the vertical is 30 m/s at impact. As is the horizontal incidentally.
 
  • #13
ah thank you very much. So would that mean the resultant of these would be 54.08? I got that using phythag sqrt 45^2+30^2 = 54.08 with an angle of 34
 
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  • #14
littledude565 said:
ah thank you very much. So would that mean the resultant of these would be 54.08? I got that using phythag sqrt 45^2+30^2 = 54.08

Why do you think it's 452 again?
 
  • #15
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7229/83881376.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #16
ohhh no it should be 45 it should also be 30! So with that now would the resultant be 42.2, with an angle of 45?
 
  • #17
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9337/71116538.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #18
Yes. That would be better now.
 
  • #19
Ah yay, thanks for all your help
 

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