What is the equation for finding the displacement of a falling object?

  • Thread starter lindseyam
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In summary: So, in summary, to find the distance above the muzzle that the bullet will be after 1 second, we can use the formula x - initial x = initial vt + 1/2at^2, where v is the final velocity (which we can solve for using the equation v = initial v + at) and a is the acceleration due to gravity.
  • #1
lindseyam
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Homework Statement



The problem is: A bullet shot vertically upward leaves the gun at a velocity of 655 m/s. How far above the muzzle will the bullet be 1.0 s after it is fired?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know that i have the time (1 s) and the velocity (655 m/s). I just don't know how to find the other parts and then which equation to use to find how far above the muzzle the bullet will be.
 
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  • #2
Clearly the bullet has an initial velocity and will be subject to gravitational acceleration. What kinematic formulas do you know that involve velocity and acceleration?
 
  • #3
gneill said:
Clearly the bullet has an initial velocity and will be subject to gravitational acceleration. What kinematic formulas do you know that involve velocity and acceleration?

v = x/t
avg.v = v + initial v/2
v = initial v + at
x - initial x = initial vt + 1/2at^2
v^2 = initial v^2 + 2a(x-initial x)
 
  • #4
Nevermind, gneill's suggestion is better.

lindseyam said:
v = x/t
avg.v = v + initial v/2
v = initial v + at
x - initial x = initial vt + 1/2at^2
v^2 = initial v^2 + 2a(x-initial x)

You know initial velocity, time, and acceleration (gravity, as gneill pointed out). You can solve for final velocity, which will allow you to then solve for distance.

Does that make sense?
 
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  • #5
lindseyam said:
v = x/t
avg.v = v + initial v/2
v = initial v + at
x - initial x = initial vt + 1/2at^2
v^2 = initial v^2 + 2a(x-initial x)

Your fourth equation looks promising...
 

FAQ: What is the equation for finding the displacement of a falling object?

What is the "Falling Objects Problem"?

The "Falling Objects Problem" is a physics concept that deals with the motion of objects as they fall towards the ground due to gravity. It is often used to calculate the position, velocity, and acceleration of objects as they fall.

What factors affect the motion of a falling object?

The two main factors that affect the motion of a falling object are gravity and air resistance. Gravity pulls the object towards the ground, while air resistance acts in the opposite direction and slows down the object's motion.

How can the speed of a falling object be calculated?

The speed of a falling object can be calculated using the equation v = gt, where v is the speed, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and t is the time the object has been falling. This equation assumes that there is no air resistance.

What is terminal velocity?

Terminal velocity is the maximum speed that a falling object can reach when the upward force of air resistance is equal to the downward force of gravity. At this point, the object will no longer accelerate and will fall at a constant speed.

How does the mass of a falling object affect its motion?

The mass of a falling object does not affect its motion. According to the equation F = ma, the force of gravity (F) is proportional to the mass (m) and acceleration (a). Since the mass of the object is cancelled out, all objects will fall towards the ground with the same acceleration due to gravity.

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