Dropping a Stone: Calculating Time for a Stone to Hit the Bottom of a Mineshaft

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In summary, the rate at which a stone drops is affected by its weight, the force of gravity, and air resistance. The higher the stone is dropped from, the faster it will travel due to gravity, but air resistance can also play a role in slowing it down. The shape of the stone usually does not affect its descent, but a larger surface area may cause more air resistance. The medium the stone is dropped into can also impact its descent, with water causing more resistance than air. It is not possible for a stone to drop at a constant rate due to changing forces acting upon it.
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gapgirl1010
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A girl drops a stone into a mineshaft 122.5 m deep. How soon after she drops the stone does she hear it hit the bottom?

What formula do I use?
 
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  • #2
You are looking for the constant acceleration formulas. A quick search on google or wikipedia should provide them. Also don't forget about the period of time that sound would take to travel from the point of impact to the girl's ear. You can find the speed of sound with a google search too. =)
 
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FAQ: Dropping a Stone: Calculating Time for a Stone to Hit the Bottom of a Mineshaft

1. What factors affect the rate at which a stone drops?

The rate at which a stone drops is affected by its weight, the force of gravity, and air resistance. Heavier stones will drop faster, while air resistance can slow down the rate of descent.

2. How does the height from which a stone is dropped impact its speed?

The higher a stone is dropped from, the faster it will travel due to the force of gravity. However, air resistance may also play a role in slowing down the stone's descent.

3. Does the shape of the stone affect how it drops?

In most cases, the shape of a stone does not affect its rate of descent. However, a stone with a larger surface area may experience more air resistance and drop slower than a stone with a smaller surface area.

4. Is the rate at which a stone drops affected by the medium it is dropped into?

Yes, the medium that a stone drops into can impact its rate of descent. For example, a stone dropped into water will experience more resistance than a stone dropped into air and will therefore drop slower.

5. Can a stone ever drop at a constant rate?

No, it is not possible for a stone to drop at a constant rate due to the changing forces acting upon it. As it falls, the forces of gravity and air resistance will vary, causing fluctuations in its speed.

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