Problem about motion -- vertical projectile motion

In summary, the conversation discusses the ranking of windows based on the average speed, time taken, acceleration, and change in speed of a cream tangerine thrown directly upward past them. The acceleration of an object in free fall is fixed, while the velocity is changing. The correct understanding is that the velocity is being changed, not the acceleration.
  • #1
Keith Gellar
5
0
Member advised to use the homework template for posts in the homework sections of PF.
"9. In Fig. 2-22, a cream tangerine is thrown directly upward past three evenly spaced windows of equal heights. Rank the windows according to (a) the average speed of the cream tangerine while passing them, (b) the time the cream tangerine takes to pass them, (c) the magnitude of the acceleration of the cream tangerine while passing them, and (d) the change v in the speed of the cream tangerine during the passage, greatest first." - Fundamentals of Physics, 10th edn, Halliday & Resnick, p. 32
upload_2016-9-22_20-59-3.png

With part (c) - initially I thought the upward acceleration would decrease as the tangerine goes past the windows because it is being acted upon by the force of gravity, but then I felt that the upward acceleration is not changing - it is fixed - and so is the downward acceleration due to gravity. But instead, the velocity is being changed.

Is that correct?

Thank-you! :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It looks like you are maybe confusing acceleration and velocity. What is the acceleration of an object in free fall? Your initial thought is incorrect. Your second thought is correct.
 
  • #3
kuruman said:
It looks like you are maybe confusing acceleration and velocity. What is the acceleration of an object in free fall? Your initial thought is incorrect. Your second thought is correct.
Hi Kuruman
Yes i realized that just now - silly me! Thank you for the answer.
 

Related to Problem about motion -- vertical projectile motion

1. What is vertical projectile motion?

Vertical projectile motion is a type of motion where an object is thrown or launched into the air and moves only under the influence of gravity. This motion follows a curved path known as a parabola.

2. What factors affect vertical projectile motion?

The factors that affect vertical projectile motion include the initial velocity, angle of launch, air resistance, and the force of gravity.

3. How is the initial velocity of a projectile determined?

The initial velocity of a projectile can be determined by measuring the speed and direction at which the object is launched or thrown.

4. What is the formula for calculating the height of a projectile?

The height of a projectile can be calculated using the formula h = h0 + v0t + 1/2gt^2, where h0 is the initial height, v0 is the initial velocity, t is time, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

5. How does air resistance affect vertical projectile motion?

Air resistance can affect the vertical projectile motion by slowing down the object and causing it to fall at a slower rate. This can result in a shorter distance and lower maximum height reached by the object.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
Back
Top