Use the "Big 4" kinematic equations and free-fall concepts to solve the following problems.
NASA operates a drop tower in which they test the response of materials to situations in which the only force which acts upon them is gravity. Objects are dropped from rest and free fall for 5.10 seconds through the drop tower.
Determine the distance which the objects free fall through the tower.
Distance
m
To gain a feel for the height of the drop tower, convert this falling distance to units of feet. (Given: 1 meter = 3.28 feet)
feet
A stone that is dropped from rest and free falls for 6.45 seconds.
Calculate the magnitude of the stone's velocity after 6.45 seconds. (Enter a positive number.)
Velocity
m/s
What is the magnitude of the stone's displacement during this 6.45 seconds? (Enter a positive number.)
Displacement
During his recent skydiving adventure, Luke Autbeloe had reached a terminal speed of 14.5 m/s as he approached the ground with his parachute. During an attempt to snap one last photo with his camera, Luke fumbled it from a height of 58.3 m above the ground.
Determine the speed with which the camera hits the ground.
Speed
Determine the time for the camera to free fall from Luke's hands to the ground.
Time
s
The Zero Gravity Research Facility at NASA-operated Glenn Research Center in Ohio is used to test the behavior of fluids, flames, equipment and other objects in free fall. It consists of a 467-foot long, 12-foot diameter, steel vacuum chamber. The steel chamber resides inside of a concrete lined shaft which extends 510 feet below ground level. Objects falling through the tower experience free fall over a distance of 134 meters (440 feet) before being brought to a halt.
Determine the falling time for objects dropped from rest.
Determine the final speed of the objects before the braking period begins.
Final Speed
The earliest drop towers were used for the purpose of making lead shots for muskets. The procedure involved releasing droplets of molten lead from the top of the tower. As the droplets of lead fell through the tower, they formed a spherical droplet. If given enough free fall time, the droplet of molten lead would solidify to form the perfect shot. The tallest of these drop towers in the United States was a 230-foot tower built in Baltimore.
Suppose that lead free falls through a drop tower for a distance of 57.6 meters.
Determine how fast the lead shot is moving after free falling for 57.6 meters.
Determine how much time it takes the lead shot to fall this distance of 57.6 meters.
A ball is thrown vertically upwards with a speed of 28.2 m/s.
How high does it rise above the point of release?
Height
How much time does it take the ball to reach the peak of its trajectory?
Time to Reach Peak