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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves kinematics, specifically calculating the minimum speed required for a trout to jump over a 2.5 m waterfall. The original poster expresses difficulty in understanding how to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to identify relevant equations and questions the role of gravity in the scenario. Some participants clarify the importance of gravity in the jump, while others discuss the direction of gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with participants providing clarifications about the role of gravity and its direction. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved, but no consensus has been reached regarding the specific equations to apply.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references a card of equations but is uncertain about their applicability. There is also a mention of using -9.8 m/s² for falling objects, which raises questions about its application to upward motion.

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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.
 
Last edited:
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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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