Math Problem Statement
What must her minimum speed be just as she leaves the top of the cliff so that she will miss the ledge at the bottom, which is L = 2.05 m wide and h = 9.20 m below the top of the cliff?
Solution
This problem involves projectile motion, specifically finding the minimum speed required for a person to jump horizontally from a cliff to miss a ledge below.
Given:
- Width of the ledge:
- Height difference between the top of the cliff and the ledge:
The projectile motion is horizontal, and we need to find the minimum initial horizontal speed, , such that the person travels at least meters horizontally before hitting the ledge.
Step 1: Calculate time to fall
The vertical motion is independent of the horizontal motion. Using the formula for the vertical displacement under gravity: where:
- is the vertical displacement,
- is the acceleration due to gravity,
- is the time to fall.
Solving for :
Step 2: Calculate minimum horizontal speed
Now, the horizontal motion is uniform, meaning the person must cover in the time calculated above. The horizontal distance covered is: Solving for :
Conclusion:
The minimum speed she must have just as she leaves the top of the cliff to miss the ledge is approximately 1.50 m/s.
Would you like further details or clarifications?
Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:
- How would the speed change if the ledge were farther away?
- What if the height of the cliff were doubled—how would that affect the minimum speed?
- How do air resistance and friction impact this type of projectile motion?
- How would you calculate the speed if the person jumps at an angle rather than horizontally?
- What is the maximum time the person can be in the air before hitting the ground?
Tip: Always separate the horizontal and vertical components in projectile motion problems for easier calculation!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Projectile Motion
Kinematics
Gravity
Formulas
Vertical displacement: y = (1/2) g t^2
Horizontal motion: x = v_0 t
Time to fall: t = sqrt(2h / g)
Horizontal speed: v_0 = L / t
Theorems
Independence of horizontal and vertical motion in projectile motion
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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