Math Problem Statement

You threw a rock from a cliff directly downward with an initial velocity of -7.1 m/s. If the rock took 7.5 seconds to reach the ground, what is the height of the cliff if air resistance is ignored?

Solution

To solve this problem, we can use the following kinematic equation for uniformly accelerated motion (assuming downward is negative):

d=v0t+12at2d = v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2

Where:

  • dd is the displacement (height of the cliff),
  • v0v_0 is the initial velocity (7.1m/s-7.1 \, \text{m/s}),
  • tt is the time (7.5 s),
  • aa is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8m/s2-9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2).

Now, plug the values into the equation:

d=(7.1)(7.5)+12(9.8)(7.5)2d = (-7.1)(7.5) + \frac{1}{2} (-9.8)(7.5)^2

Let's calculate this step by step.The height of the cliff is approximately 328.88 meters.

This negative value indicates that the displacement is downward, which is consistent with the rock being thrown downward. Therefore, the cliff's height is 328.88 meters.

Would you like more details, or do you have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How would the result change if the initial velocity was zero?
  2. What if the rock was thrown upward instead?
  3. How would the presence of air resistance affect the outcome?
  4. Can you calculate the final velocity of the rock when it hits the ground?
  5. How long would the rock take if it fell freely from rest?

Tip: Always check the signs of velocities and accelerations when solving kinematics problems!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Kinematics
Uniformly Accelerated Motion

Formulas

d = v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2

Theorems

Kinematic Equations of Motion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12