Determining the Height of a Building

In summary, the problem involves finding the height of a building using the given information of a ball dropping from the roof and bouncing back up in front of a window. The equations \Delta x = v_{0}t+(1/2)at^{2} and d = v_{0}t + (1/2)at^{2} can be used to find the distance d to the top of the window and the total time the ball takes to reach the ground. These equations can be solved to find the height of the building.
  • #1
Barbados_Slim
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Homework Statement


You are sitting by a window when someone on the roof drops a ball. The ball spends .30 seconds in front of the window (which is 1.50 meters tall.) The ball subsequently hits the sidewalk and bounces back up at the same speed. On its way up it passes by the window again taking .30 seconds in front of the window. If the ball spends 2.50 seconds underneath the window then how tall is the building?


Homework Equations


[itex]\Delta x = v_{0}t+(1/2)at^{2}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I have absolutely no idea how to approach this problem. I would appreciate any help.
 
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  • #2
Hint: Try to find the distance d to the top first. After falling an unknown time t (without initial velocity), the ball has fallen a distance of d and reaches the top of the window. 0.3 seconds later the distance of the ball increased by 1.5 m. Try to express that with equations and solve them for d and t.
Afterwards, try to find the total time the ball needs to reach the floor.

You can assume that the building is on earth, so you know the acceleration.
 

FAQ: Determining the Height of a Building

What is the process for determining the height of a building?

The process for determining the height of a building involves using a measuring tool, such as a tape measure or a laser rangefinder, to measure the distance from the ground to the top of the building. This measurement is then combined with the known height of the measuring tool to calculate the total height of the building.

What are some common tools used to determine the height of a building?

Some common tools used to determine the height of a building include tape measures, laser rangefinders, and surveying equipment. These tools are used to accurately measure the vertical distance from the ground to the top of the building.

Do you need to know the height of the measuring tool to accurately determine the height of a building?

Yes, in order to accurately determine the height of a building, you need to know the height of the measuring tool being used. This is because the measurement taken will include the height of the measuring tool and must be subtracted from the total measurement to get the actual height of the building.

Are there any challenges in determining the height of a building?

Yes, there are several challenges that can make determining the height of a building difficult. These include obstructions such as trees or nearby buildings, uneven ground or terrain, and weather conditions that may affect the accuracy of the measuring tools being used.

Can you determine the height of a building using satellite images?

Yes, it is possible to determine the height of a building using satellite images. However, the accuracy may vary depending on the resolution of the images and the angle at which they were taken. It is generally more accurate to physically measure the height of a building using tools on the ground.

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