Rock is dropped off of a cliff physics homework

In summary, the problem involves finding the height of a cliff using the speed of sound and the time it takes for a sound to travel from the top of the cliff to the surface of the water. The equation for the height of the cliff is h = (1/2)gt^2, where g is the acceleration due to gravity and t is the time it takes for the sound to reach the water. Another equation, h = c_s (3.4 s - t), can also be used to solve for the height, where c_s is the speed of sound.
  • #1
DrZoidberg421
5
0
I just started physics about a week ago. We got this problem for extra credit, and I need help with it.

A rock is dropped off of a cliff and the sound of splashing water is heard 3.4 seconds later. The speed of sound is 340 m/s. How high is the cliff?

Any insight/help you could give me would be great.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
The height of the cliff is

[tex]h = \frac {1}{2} g t_1^2[/tex]

But h is also given by

[tex]h = c_s (3.4 s - t_1)[/tex]

where [itex]c_s[/itex] is the speed of sound. Can you take it from there?
 
  • #3
Yeah, thanks a lot
 

Related to Rock is dropped off of a cliff physics homework

1. How does gravity affect the rock when it is dropped off a cliff?

Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the center of the Earth. When the rock is dropped off the cliff, it will accelerate towards the ground due to the force of gravity acting on it.

2. What is the equation for calculating the speed of the rock as it falls off the cliff?

The equation for calculating the speed of an object in free fall is v = gt, where v is the final velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and t is the time the object has been falling.

3. Will the rock reach a maximum speed when it is falling off the cliff?

Yes, the rock will reach a maximum speed when it is falling off the cliff. This is because of air resistance, which increases as the object falls faster. Eventually, the force of air resistance will equal the force of gravity, causing the object to reach a constant speed known as terminal velocity.

4. How does the height of the cliff affect the speed of the rock?

The height of the cliff does not affect the speed of the rock. The only factors that affect the speed of the rock are the acceleration due to gravity and the time it has been falling.

5. What is the difference between weight and mass, and how do they relate to the rock being dropped off a cliff?

Weight is a measurement of the force of gravity on an object, while mass is a measurement of the amount of matter in an object. When the rock is dropped off the cliff, its mass stays the same, but its weight increases due to the acceleration of gravity. This is because the force of gravity is pulling on the rock with a greater force as it falls closer to the Earth's surface.

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