Math Problem Statement
In a game a stunt driver on a motorcycle speeds horizontally off a 50.0 m high cliff. How fast must the motorcycle leave the cliff top to land on ground level below 90.0 m from the base of the cliff where the cameras are? Ignore air resistance. [Hint : Split up into vertical and horizontal motion] [Solution 28.2 m/s] Use the following:
x = x_0 + v_0 * t + ((a * t^2) / 2)
v = v_0 + a * t
Solution
To solve this problem, we need to split the motion into two components: vertical and horizontal. Since the motion is horizontal at the beginning, there is an initial horizontal velocity, but no initial vertical velocity.
Given Information
- Height of the cliff (vertical distance, ):
- Horizontal distance to reach the cameras (horizontal distance, ):
- Gravitational acceleration (since air resistance is ignored):
- Required final velocity for horizontal direction : Unknown (we need to find this)
Step 1: Analyze Vertical Motion
Since the motorcycle is initially moving horizontally, there is no initial vertical velocity ().
Using the equation for vertical displacement:
Since the cliff is 50.0 m high, we have:
This simplifies to:
Solving for :
Step 2: Analyze Horizontal Motion
In horizontal motion, there is no acceleration (ignoring air resistance), so the velocity remains constant.
The equation for horizontal displacement is:
We know and , so:
Solving for :
Answer
The motorcycle must leave the cliff top at a speed of approximately 28.2 m/s horizontally to land 90.0 m from the base of the cliff.
Would you like further details on this problem, or do you have any other questions?
Here are 5 related questions for practice:
- What would be the horizontal speed required if the cliff height were 100 m?
- How long would it take for the motorcycle to hit the ground if the horizontal distance was only 50 m?
- What would happen to the time of fall if air resistance was considered?
- How would you calculate the final velocity of the motorcycle upon impact with the ground?
- What is the effect of increasing the cliff height on the required horizontal velocity?
Tip: Always separate horizontal and vertical components in projectile motion problems to simplify your calculations.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Projectile Motion
Kinematics
Horizontal and Vertical Motion
Formulas
x = x_0 + v_0 * t + (a * t^2) / 2
v = v_0 + a * t
Theorems
Motion in two dimensions
Acceleration due to gravity
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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