Ball falling. In view for .16 seconds. From what height did it fall?

In summary, a ball falls from the top of a building and passes a window in 0.16 seconds. The window is 1.7 meters long. Using the equation 1/2*g*t^2 + vt + x, the attempt at a solution results in a value of 0.125, which doesn't make sense. However, by considering the time it takes for the ball to cross the top and bottom of the window and using the equations 1 and 2, the distance of the window from the top of the building can be found. It is not possible to determine the height of the building with the given information.
  • #1
Doggie123
1
0

Homework Statement



A ball falls from the top of a building.
It falls past a window. It is in view for .16 seconds.
The window is 1.7 m long.
How high was the building off which it was dropped?

Homework Equations


I'm trying to use
.5 a t^2 + vt + x
but it's not working


The Attempt at a Solution


using that, I got .125, which doesn't make sense.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If the ball takes t s to cross the top of the window, it takes (t + 0.16) s to cross the bottom of the window. If h is the distance of the window from the top of the building, then

h = 1/2*g*t^2 ...(1)

h + 1.7 = 1/2*g*(t + 0.16)^2...(2)

Solve the two equations to find h and t.
 
  • #3
You really can't tell how tall the building is with the information given. You can, however, tell how far the roof is above the window.
 

Related to Ball falling. In view for .16 seconds. From what height did it fall?

1. How can we calculate the height from which the ball fell based on the time it was in view?

To calculate the height, we can use the formula h = (1/2)gt^2, where h is the height, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and t is the time in seconds. In this case, t = 0.16 seconds. Therefore, the height would be approximately 0.125 meters or 12.5 centimeters.

2. Can the height of the ball be determined if the time in view is not specified?

No, the time in view is a crucial factor in calculating the height of the ball. Without it, we cannot accurately determine the height from which the ball fell.

3. How does air resistance affect the height of the ball when falling?

Air resistance can decrease the height of the ball when falling as it creates a force that opposes the motion of the ball. This force can slow down the ball's descent and result in a lower height.

4. Is the height of the ball affected by the mass or size of the ball?

Assuming that there is no air resistance, the height of the ball will not be affected by its mass or size. All objects, regardless of their mass or size, fall at the same rate due to gravity.

5. How accurate is the calculated height of the ball?

The calculated height of the ball is as accurate as the measurements of the time in view and the acceleration due to gravity. However, factors such as air resistance, wind, and human error can affect the accuracy of the calculation.

Back
Top