Calculating Time and Final Velocity of a Ball Thrown into the Air

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In summary: The woman throws the ball upwards at a speed of 19 meters/second and it takes 4.94 seconds for it to reach the top of the diving board and then splash into the water below. The ball's final velocity is 19 meters/second.
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Amel
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Homework Statement



The problem: A woman standing on a diving board 21 meters above a pool tosses a ball upwards at a speed of 19 meters/second. The ball goes up and then down, splashing into the water below. How long was the ball in the air? What is the ball’s final velocity?




Homework Equations



v2= v02+2a(x-x0)
X = X0 +V0t+(1/2)at2

The Attempt at a Solution



So I figured out the height of the ball by using v2= v02+2a(x-x0) and having v = 0 because that's what it is at the peak and re aranged it so it gives me X. I got 39.25 meters. But I don't know how to get the time the ball is in the air. I assume I have to possibly use X = X0 +V0t+(1/2)at2 but I am not sure how to get time out of it.
 
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  • #2
You are correct in that your position function allows you to solve for time. If you take the pool to be at height zero meters, then what is your initial height? You know the acceleration due to gravity and the initial velocity. Put these figures into your equation of motion and you are left with a function of the variable t.
 
  • #3
Ok so I did t=V0+/- The square root of ((V02 + 2y0g))/g and got 4.94 seconds, The equation came form a problem in the book with a similar problem. But it kind of seems to short of a time. I feel like its not counting the time the ball is traveling up or something.

Anyway is that right? want to know before I do the last part of the equation.
 
  • #4
Use the equation [tex]x(t)= x_0{}+v_0t-\stackrel{1}{2}gt^{2}[/tex].

My bad, misinterpreted your comment. I just put it in a calculator and got 4.775. Did you use 19m/s as your initial velocity and -9.8 for acceleration? It is much easier to find the time first then the final velocity second.
 
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FAQ: Calculating Time and Final Velocity of a Ball Thrown into the Air

1. How does the force of gravity affect the height of a ball when thrown into the air?

The force of gravity is what causes objects to fall towards the ground. When a ball is thrown into the air, it will eventually reach a maximum height before falling back down due to the force of gravity pulling it back towards the Earth.

2. How does the angle of release affect the distance a ball travels when thrown into the air?

The angle of release refers to the direction the ball is thrown in relation to the ground. The optimal angle for maximum distance is 45 degrees. If the angle is too low, the ball will not travel as far, and if it is too high, the ball will not have enough horizontal velocity to travel far.

3. What factors determine the time a ball spends in the air when thrown?

The time a ball spends in the air is determined by the initial velocity, angle of release, and the force of gravity. The greater the initial velocity and angle, the longer the ball will stay in the air. However, the force of gravity will eventually cause the ball to fall back down.

4. How does air resistance affect the trajectory of a ball when thrown into the air?

Air resistance, also known as drag, can affect the trajectory of a ball when thrown into the air. As the ball moves through the air, it experiences resistance from the air molecules, causing it to slow down and deviate from its original path. This is why a ball thrown with backspin will have a longer hang time than one thrown with topspin.

5. What is the relationship between the mass of a ball and its trajectory when thrown into the air?

The mass of a ball does not significantly affect its trajectory when thrown into the air. However, a heavier ball may require more force to be thrown to achieve the same height and distance as a lighter ball. The shape and aerodynamics of the ball will have a greater impact on its trajectory.

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