What was the total time of fall?

  • Thread starter Thread starter keweezz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fall Time
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a ball dropped from rest, which covers three-sevenths of the distance to the ground in the last two seconds of its fall. The key equations used include the height equation \( s = h - 4.905t^2 \) and the total time of fall \( T = \sqrt{h/4.905} \). Participants clarify that the final velocity is not necessary to determine the height or the total time of fall. The equation \( s(T-2) = h - 4.905(\sqrt{h/4.905}-2)^2 = \frac{3}{7}h \) is critical for solving the height \( h \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations in physics
  • Familiarity with gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
  • Ability to solve quadratic equations
  • Basic knowledge of algebraic manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of kinematic equations
  • Learn how to solve quadratic equations effectively
  • Explore the concept of free fall and its implications in physics
  • Investigate the relationship between distance, time, and acceleration in motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in solving motion-related problems in a gravitational field.

keweezz
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
A ball, dropped from rest, covers three-sevenths of the distance to the ground in the last two seconds of its fall.

(a) From what height was the ball dropped?
_m
(b) What was the total time of fall?
_s

For a, don't i need the final velocity to solve the problem? Vi=o A=-9.81?
2 days ago - 1 day left to answer.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


keweezz said:
A ball, dropped from rest, covers three-sevenths of the distance to the ground in the last two seconds of its fall.

(a) From what height was the ball dropped?
_m
(b) What was the total time of fall?
_s

For a, don't i need the final velocity to solve the problem? Vi=o A=-9.81?
2 days ago - 1 day left to answer.
No, you don't need the final velocity (although you can calculate it after you have solved b). I presume you know that the height of the ball after t seconds is s= h- (1/2)At2= h- 4.905t2. It will hit the ground when s= h- 4.905t2= 0 so the time it hits the ground, T, is T= \sqrt{h/4.905}.
the ball "covers three-sevenths of the distance to the ground in the last two seconds of its fall." which tells us that s(T- 2)= h- 4.905(\sqrt{h/4.905}- 2)^2= (3/7) h.
Solve that equation for h.
 


HallsofIvy said:
No, you don't need the final velocity (although you can calculate it after you have solved b). I presume you know that the height of the ball after t seconds is s= h- (1/2)At2= h- 4.905t2. It will hit the ground when s= h- 4.905t2= 0 so the time it hits the ground, T, is T= \sqrt{h/4.905}.
the ball "covers three-sevenths of the distance to the ground in the last two seconds of its fall." which tells us that s(T- 2)= h- 4.905(\sqrt{h/4.905}- 2)^2= (3/7) h.
Solve that equation for h.



s(T- 2)= h- 4.905(\sqrt{h/4.905}- 2)^2= (3/7) h. For that part, i just do h- 4.905(\sqrt{h/4.905}- 2)^2= (3/7) h that and solve for h?

i got 45.78 for h, but it didn't work out ;(
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
34
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
7K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
3K