Calculating Ball Velocity Dropped From Moving Helicopter

In summary, a ball dropped from a helicopter moving at a vertical velocity of 5.0 m/s will have an original velocity of 5.0m/s upward relative to the ground and will be at rest relative to the helicopter. However, if the helicopter is moving in the opposite direction, the ball's original velocity will depend on the direction of the helicopter's movement. Additionally, comments that do not contribute to the conversation are unnecessary.
  • #1
Haftred
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This might be a stupid question, but if a helicopter is moving at 5.0 m/s vertically, and one drops a ball off the helicopter, what is the original velocity of the ball?
 
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  • #2
5m/s... relative to the ground and it will be in rest relative to the helicopter. Ofcourse only a splitsecond later this will not be true and the ball will accellerate under the influence of gravity.
 
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  • #3
5.0m/s upward.
 
  • #4
Nenad said:
5.0m/s upward.

Only if the helicopter was moving upward. The original post said vertically, so you don't know if it's moving upward or downwards.
 
  • #5
da_willem said:
Only if the helicopter was moving upward. The original post said vertically, so you don't know if it's moving upward or downwards.

if your trying to rack up posts, go ahead, but comments like that are not needed. :smile:
 
  • #6
Nenad said:
if your trying to rack up posts, go ahead, but comments like that are not needed. :smile:

K, you are right, I was trying to be too accurate...over such an obvious thing. :blush:
 

FAQ: Calculating Ball Velocity Dropped From Moving Helicopter

1. How do you calculate the velocity of a ball dropped from a moving helicopter?

To calculate the velocity of a ball dropped from a moving helicopter, you will need to use the formula: v = √(2gh), where v is the velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and h is the height from which the ball is dropped.

2. What is the acceleration due to gravity?

The acceleration due to gravity is a constant value of 9.8 m/s² and represents the rate at which objects fall towards the earth due to the force of gravity.

3. Is air resistance a factor in calculating the velocity of a ball dropped from a moving helicopter?

Yes, air resistance can have an impact on the velocity of a ball dropped from a moving helicopter. However, for the purposes of this calculation, we assume that the ball is dropped in a vacuum, where there is no air resistance.

4. Can the velocity of a ball dropped from a moving helicopter be negative?

No, the velocity of a ball dropped from a moving helicopter cannot be negative. This is because the velocity is a vector quantity and represents both the magnitude and direction of the ball's motion. In this case, the velocity will always be positive, representing the downward motion of the ball.

5. How does the velocity of a ball dropped from a moving helicopter change as the height increases?

The velocity of a ball dropped from a moving helicopter will increase as the height increases. This is because the ball has more potential energy when it is dropped from a higher height, which is then converted into kinetic energy as it falls. The velocity will continue to increase until it reaches its terminal velocity, which is the maximum velocity that the ball can reach due to air resistance.

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