Find speed using distance and acceleration?

In summary, the man jumps into a swimming pool from a height of 4.7m with a downward acceleration of 9.8 m/s^2 due to gravity. To calculate his speed upon entering the water, you can use the formula (distance)=(initial velocity)*t + (1/2)*(acceleration)*t^2, with an initial velocity of 0, acceleration of -9.8, and distance of 4.7. Then, you can use the formula (final velocity)-(initial velocity) = (acceleration)*t, using the same acceleration and time. Don't forget the negative sign in both accelerations.
  • #1
bear_neals
1
0
Hi everyone,
hopefully someone hear can help me.

a man jumps into a swimming pool from a height of 4.7m assuming that his downward acceleration is 9.8 m s2 due to gravity, at what speed does he enter the water.

I really need help knowing what equations to use, i realize i need to work out the time taken and use that to calculate the overall speed but i am having trouble displaying that as i need to show all my workings.

Thanks for your time.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You could use the formula (distance)=(initial velocity)*t + (1/2)*(acceleration)*t^2 to find the time, using initial velocity = 0, acceleration = -9.8 and distance = 4.7.

Then you could use the formula (final velocity)-(initial velocity) = (acceleration)*t, using the same acceleration and time. Dont forget the negative sign in both accelerations.

Hope this helped.
 
  • Like
Likes bear_neals

FAQ: Find speed using distance and acceleration?

1. How do you calculate speed using distance and acceleration?

To calculate speed using distance and acceleration, you can use the formula speed = distance / time. In this case, distance refers to the total distance traveled, and time refers to the total time taken to travel that distance. Alternatively, you can also use the formula speed = initial velocity + (acceleration x time) if you know the initial velocity and acceleration.

2. What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed and velocity are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. Speed refers to how fast an object is moving, while velocity refers to both the speed and direction of an object's motion. This means that an object can have different velocities even if they have the same speed, as long as they are moving in different directions.

3. Is speed the same as acceleration?

No, speed and acceleration are not the same. As mentioned earlier, speed refers to how fast an object is moving, while acceleration is the rate at which an object's speed changes. In other words, acceleration measures the change in an object's velocity over time.

4. Can you have a negative speed or acceleration?

Yes, speed and acceleration can be negative. Negative speed indicates that an object is moving in the opposite direction, while negative acceleration indicates that an object is slowing down. For example, if a car is traveling east at a speed of 50 km/h and then turns around and travels west at a speed of 30 km/h, its speed will be negative for the westward direction.

5. How does distance affect speed and acceleration?

Distance and speed have an inverse relationship, meaning that as distance increases, speed decreases. This is because it takes longer to cover a larger distance, resulting in a lower average speed. On the other hand, distance does not directly affect acceleration. However, a longer distance can result in a longer time interval, which can affect the overall acceleration of an object.

Similar threads

Relating acceleration to distance and time
Replies
5
Views
2K
Finding speed of a falling brick using distance and the acceleration of gravity
Replies
5
Views
2K
Question about Projectile Motion: Throwing a Flower Pot from a Balcony
Replies
18
Views
576
Power To Accelerate 1000kg Elevator Cab Upward
Replies
31
Views
2K
Mechanics: Elevator Accelerating Downward
Replies
10
Views
2K
Speed and apparent weight of person in reverse bungee jumping
Replies
9
Views
2K
Help with question on motion: Avoiding a rear-end collision
Replies
6
Views
1K
Find the power needed to accelerate this elevator downward
Replies
4
Views
992
Uncertainty of Speed of Sound in water, using Mackenzie's Equation
Replies
9
Views
2K
Skier on a slope -- speed question
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top