What Initial Speed Makes Two Balls Meet Mid-Air?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two balls: one is dropped from a height of 20.0m, and the other is thrown upwards from the ground. The objective is to find the initial speed of the second ball so that both balls meet at a height of 10.0m above the ground.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the time it takes for the first ball to fall 10m and uses that to find the initial speed of the second ball. Some participants question the validity of the formulas being used, particularly regarding acceleration.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different formulas related to motion under acceleration. There is a recognition of potential issues with the original poster's approach, and guidance is being offered regarding the correct application of kinematic equations.

Contextual Notes

There is a discrepancy noted between the original poster's calculated initial speed and the expected answer provided in the problem statement. The discussion includes questioning the assumptions made in the calculations.

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Homework Statement


OK, here's the problem: A ball (first ball) is dropped from rest from a height 20.0m above the ground. Another ball is thrown (second ball) vertically upward from the ground at the instant the first ball is released. Determine the intial speed of the second ball if the two balls are to meet at a height 10.0m above the ground.

Homework Equations


The equations I am using are time = square root(2y/-g), and initial velocity = x/t.

The Attempt at a Solution


For time I get square root((2(-10m))/9.8m/s^2) = 1.43 seconds.
For initial velocity of the second ball I get 10m/1.43s = 6.99m/s.

However, at the end of the problem it says that the answer should be 14m/s but I can't figure out how to get that so am I doing something wrong, or is the answer I am given wrong?
 
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Welcome to the forum.
The formula v=x/t is only valid if there is no acceleration. Take a look at your textbook again. There should be a formula for velocity when you have acceleration.
 
Would that formula be Vy0 = Vy + gt?
 
That depends on how you choose your minuses. The complete form would be
[tex]v_y(t) = v_y(0)+gt[/tex]
 

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