Question

A frustrated student throws their physics textbook horizontally, with a velocity of 7.2m/s, from a bridge. It falls 19m to the water below. How far does the textbook travel horizontally before striking the water?

Answer 1

consider the motion along the vertical direction or Y-direction

V_oy = initial velocity In Y-direction = 0

a = acceleration = - 9.8

Y = displacement = - 19 m

t = time of travel

using the equation

Y = V_oy t + (0.5) at²

- 19 = (0) t + (0.5) (- 9.8) t²

t = 1.97 sec

consider the motion along the horizontal direction or X-direction

V_ox = initial velocity In X-direction = 7.2 m/s

a = acceleration = 0

X = displacement = ?

t = time of travel = 1.97 s

using the equation

X = V_ox t + (0.5) at²

X = (7.2) (1.97) + (0.5) (0)(1.97)²

X = 14.2 m