What Is Jack's Initial Velocity When He Fell?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a scenario where Jack rolls down a hill, experiencing a constant acceleration. Participants are tasked with determining Jack's initial velocity at the moment he fell, given his acceleration, distance rolled, and time taken.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • One participant attempts to use kinematic equations to find the final velocity at the bottom of the hill but questions the relevance of their calculations. Another participant suggests a different equation but raises confusion about the variables involved. There is also a discussion about the meaning of negative values in the context of initial velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and questioning the assumptions behind their calculations. Some guidance has been offered, but clarity on the initial conditions and the correct application of equations is still being sought.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the units of distance and speed in their calculations, as well as the implications of negative values in their results. There is an acknowledgment that the problem may require a reevaluation of what is being sought in terms of initial velocity.

SoConfused__
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Homework Statement


Jack went up a hill to fetch water. Jack fell down and rolled down the hill accelerating at 0.65 m/s^2 down. If he rolled 11m down the hill in 3.7s, with what velocity was he moving when he fell?


Homework Equations


a = v2 - v1/t
v2 = at + v1


The Attempt at a Solution


(0.65m/s^2)(3.7s) + 11
= 13.5 m/s.

I solved for v2, the velocity when he reached the bottom of the hill.
However the answer says 1.8m/s.
What am I doing wrong? Am I supposed to be looking for something else, not v2?
Even if I solved for v1, I would get a negative answer.

As usual, I am so confused.
 
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try this
R(t) = \frac{1}{2}at^2+v_it+R_i
v_i = \frac{R(t) - \frac{1}{2}at^2-R_i}{t}
 
That confuses me even more. What does R stand for?
 
SoConfused__ said:

Homework Statement


Jack went up a hill to fetch water. Jack fell down and rolled down the hill accelerating at 0.65 m/s^2 down. If he rolled 11m down the hill in 3.7s, with what velocity was he moving when he fell?


Homework Equations


a = v2 - v1/t
v2 = at + v1


The Attempt at a Solution


(0.65m/s^2)(3.7s) + 11
what's that 11, that's a length unit, not a speed unit.
I solved for v2, the velocity when he reached the bottom of the hill.
However the answer says 1.8m/s.
What am I doing wrong? Am I supposed to be looking for something else, not v2?
you are supposed to be looking for the initial velocity when he fell.
Even if I solved for v1, I would get a negative answer.
and what would the negative sign imply?
 

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