What is the speed of the paint can just before it hits the ground?

[pcx226]

[SOLVED] free falling can

Homework Statement

A painter is standing on scaffolding that is raised at constant speed. As he travels upward he accidentally nudges a paint can off the scaffolding and it calls a distance of 14.3m to the ground. You are watching, and measure with your stopwatch that it takes a time of 3.24s for the can to reach the ground. Ignore air resistance
a. What is the speed of the can just before it hits the ground?
b. another painter is 3.8m above the point the pain can fell. If the paint can passes in front of him he will be able to catch it. Does he catch it?

Homework Equations

x=v0*t+.5*a*t^2
prob other kenmatics equations

The Attempt at a Solution

the answer for final V is NOT 16.8 or -16.8

 

[Shooting Star]

1. There is an eqn connecting initial and final velo and dist. Use that.
2. You can find max height from initial velo. See whether the 2nd painter is below or above the height.

 

[pcx226]

1. There is an eqn connecting initial and final velo and dist. Use that.
2. You can find max height from initial velo. See whether the 2nd painter is below or above the height.

yeah i know but the problem is the initial v is not given
so i don't know where to go from there

 

[Shooting Star]

But you have already written down the eqn for finding V0!

 

[pcx226]

But you have already written down the eqn for finding V0!

ok wow i am not thinking...i feel rather retarded now
thanks bunches!