What is the speed of the space shuttle when a ball is dropped?

[UrbanXrisis]

A space shuttle is launched from the earth. It reaches an altitude of 100 meters in 6.1 seconds. At 6.1 seconds, a ball is dropped and hits the ground in 8.5 seconds. What is the speed of the space shuttle when the ball is dropped?

I am really stumped by this one

d=0.5at^2
100=(0.5)a (6.1s)^2
a=5.37m/s^2

Vf=vi+at
v=(5.37m/s^2) * 6.1s
v=32.757m/s?

 

[Doc Al]

keep your eye on the ball

I am really stumped by this one

d=0.5at^2
100=(0.5)a (6.1s)^2
a=5.37m/s^2

This assumes that the shuttle uniformly accelerates. Instead, analyze the motion of the falling ball, since the ball and shuttle have the same speed when the ball is dropped.

 

[UrbanXrisis]

I've looked at this problem in many different ways already. Trust me, I need more clues. I've tired all posibilities

 

[Leong]

the ball has upward velocity same as the space shuttle the moment it is dropped. the ball falls under the effect of gravity. your assumption about the rocket which moves with constant acceleration is not valid as doc al said. keep your eye on the ball, not the rocket. i got 30 m/s.

 

[UrbanXrisis]

could you explain what you mean by "keep the eye on the ball"?

 

[UrbanXrisis]

The ball goes up then once it is released, it will still go up but with decreasing velocity. Then, it will start to fall and pass the same point it was released with equal velocity as when it was released. It then accelerates downwards and hits the floor...I don't see any equation or way in solving this. I need to know the distance it travled to reach its max point...or some kind of clue

 

[UrbanXrisis]

nevermind, I got it...I thought it would be more complex...