What is the minimum speed needed for a trout to jump a 2.5 m waterfall?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the minimum speed a trout needs to jump a 2.5 m waterfall, the final velocity at the peak of the jump is 0 m/s, and the initial velocity is what needs to be calculated. Gravity, which is always directed downward at -9.8 m/s², plays a crucial role in this kinematics problem. The discussion clarifies that while the trout is jumping upward, the acceleration due to gravity remains negative. Understanding this concept helps in solving the problem effectively. The participants express gratitude for the assistance in grasping these physics principles.
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Kinematics Problem (Solved)

I greatly apologize for making this my very first post. I am in great need of assistance though, and I hope someone can help me comprehend how to solve this.
It seems relatively simple, but it does not seem to be clicking in my mind at the moment.

Homework Statement


A trout jumps a waterfall 2.5 m high. With what minimum speed did it leave the water below to reach the top?


Homework Equations


Issue at hand.


The Attempt at a Solution


I understand that Vf(final) = 0 m/s, x = 2.5 m, and Vo is what I am solving for.
I have a card of equations but I'm unsure as to which would apply to this. And I don't believe gravity plays a part in this, does it?

Thank you so much for your assistance.
 
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Gravity does play a part. In fact it would reach the top at any speed greater than zero if it weren't for gravity.
 
That makes much more sense then.
We've been using -9.8 m/s^2 in reference to falling objects though. Would this become +9.8 m/s^2 since the frog is jumping up, not down?

Thank you very much by the way!
 
No. Gravity is ALWAYS directed downward. If you defined up as the positive Y direction, then acceleration due to gravity is going to be negative.

Hope that helps :)
 
I understand it now. Thank you both so so much for your help!
 
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