Projectile Motion Example Problem –

Physics Homework Help  4

This entry was posted on July 22, 2014 by Todd Helmenstine (updated on September 30, 2015)

Throwing or shooting a projectile follows a parabolic course. If you know the initial velocity and
angle of elevation of the projectile, you can find its time aloft, maximum height or range. You
can also its altitude and distance travelled if given a time. This example problem shows how to
do all of these.
Projectile Motion Example Problem:
A cannon is fired with muzzle velocity of 150 m/s at an angle of elevation = 45°. Gravity = 9.8
m/s2.
a) What is the maximum height the projectile reaches?
b) What is the total time aloft?
c) How far away did the projectile land? (Range)
d) Where is the projectile at 10 seconds after firing?

Let
’s set up what we know. First, let’s define our variables.
V0 = initial velocity = muzzle velocity = 150 m/s
vx = horizontal velocity component
vy = vertical velocity component
θ = angle of elevation = 45°
h = maximum height
R = range
x = horizontal position at t=10 s
y = vertical position at t=10 s
m = mass of projectile
g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s2
Part a) Find h.
The formulas we will be using are:
d = v0t + ½at2
and
vf – v0 = at
In order to find the distance h, we need to know two things: the velocity at h and the amount of
time it takes to get there. The first is easy. The vertical component of the velocity is equal to zero
at point h. This is the point where the upward motion is stopped and the projectile begins to fall
back to Earth.
The initial vertical velocity is
v0y = v0·sinθ
v0y = 150 m/s · sin(45°)
v0y = 106.1 m/s
Now we know the beginning and final velocity. The next thing we need is the acceleration.
The only force acting on the projectile is the force of gravity. Gravity has a magnitude of g and a
direction in the negative y direction.
F = ma = -mg
solve for a
a = -g
Now we have enough information to find the time. We know the initial vertical velocity (V0y) and
the final vertical velocity at h (vhy = 0)
vhy – v0y = at
0 – v0y = -9.8 m/s2·t
0 – 106.1 m/s = -9.8 m/s2·t
Solve for t

t = 10.8 s
Now solve the first equation for h
h = v0yt + ½at2
h = (106.1 m/s)(10.8 s) + ½(-9.8 m/s2)(10.8 s)2
h = 1145.9 m – 571.5 m
h = 574.4 m
The highest height the projectile reaches is 574.4 meters.
Part b: Find total time aloft.
We’ve already done most of the work to get this part of the question if you stop to think. The
projectile’s trip can be broken into two parts: going up and coming down.
ttotal = tup + tdown
The same acceleration force acts on the projectile in both directions. The time down takes the
same amount of time it took to go up.
tup = tdown
or
ttotal = 2 tup
we found tup in Part a of the problem: 10.8 seconds
ttotal = 2 (10.8 s)
ttotal = 21.6 s
The total time aloft for the projectile is 21.6 seconds.
Part c: Find range R
To find the range, we need to know the initial velocity in the x direction.
v0x = v0cosθ
v0x = 150 m/s·cos(45)
v0x = 106.1 m/s
To find the range R, use the equation:
R = v0xt + ½at2
There is no force acting along the x-axis. This means the acceleration in the x-direction is zero.
The equation of motion is reduced to:
R = v0xt + ½(0)t2
R = v0xt
The range is the point where the projectile strikes the ground which happens at the time we
found in Part b of the problem.
R = 106.1 m/s · 21.6s
R = 2291.8 m
The projectile landed 2291.8 meters from the canon.
Part d: Find the position at t = 10 seconds.
The position has two components: horizontal and vertical position. The horizontal position, x, is
far downrange the projectile is after firing and the vertical component is the current altitude, y, of
the projectile.
To find these positions, we will use the same equation:
d = v0t + ½at2
First, let’s do the horizontal position. There is no acceleration in the horizontal direction so the
second half of the equation is zero, just like in Part c.
x = v0xt
We are given t = 10 seconds. V0x was calculated in Part c of the problem.
x = 106.1 m/s · 10 s
x = 1061 m
Now do the same thing for the vertical position.
y = v0yt + ½at2
We saw in Part b that v0y = 109.6 m/s and a = -g = -9.8 m/s2. At t = 10 s:
y = 106.1 m/s · 10 s + ½(-9.8 m/s2)(10 s)2
y = 1061 – 490 m
y = 571 m
At t=10 seconds, the projectile is at (1061 m, 571 m) or 1061 m downrange and at an altitude of
571 meters.
If you need to know the velocity of the projectile at a specific time, you can use the formula
v – v0 = at
and solve for v. Just remember velocity is a vector and will have both x and y components.
This specific example can be easily adapted for any initial velocity and any angle of elevation. If
the cannon is fired on another planet with a different force of gravity, just change the value of g
accordingly.
1. An airplane accelerates down a runway at 3.20 m/s 2 for 32.8 s until is finally lifts off the
ground. Determine the distance traveled before takeoff.
See Answer

 
See solution below.
 

2. A car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly over a time of 5.21 seconds for a
distance of 110 m. Determine the acceleration of the car.
See Answer

 
See solution below.

 
3. Upton Chuck is riding the Giant Drop at Great America. If Upton free falls for 2.60
seconds, what will be his final velocity and how far will he fall?
See Answer

 
See solution below.

4. A race car accelerates uniformly from 18.5 m/s to 46.1 m/s in 2.47 seconds. Determine
the acceleration of the car and the distance traveled.
See Answer

 
See solution below.

5. A feather is dropped on the moon from a height of 1.40 meters. The acceleration of
gravity on the moon is 1.67 m/s2. Determine the time for the feather to fall to the surface of
the moon.
See Answer

 
See solution below.

6. Rocket-powered sleds are used to test the human response to acceleration. If a rocket-
powered sled is accelerated to a speed of 444 m/s in 1.83 seconds, then what is the
acceleration and what is the distance that the sled travels?
See Answer

 
See solution below.

7. A bike accelerates uniformly from rest to a speed of 7.10 m/s over a distance of 35.4 m.
Determine the acceleration of the bike.
See Answer

 
See solution below.
  

8. An engineer is designing the runway for an airport. Of the planes that will use the
airport, the lowest acceleration rate is likely to be 3 m/s 2. The takeoff speed for this plane
will be 65 m/s. Assuming this minimum acceleration, what is the minimum allowed length
for the runway?
See Answer

 
See solution below.

9. A car traveling at 22.4 m/s skids to a stop in 2.55 s. Determine the skidding distance of
the car (assume uniform acceleration).
See Answer

 
See solution below.

10. A kangaroo is capable of jumping to a height of 2.62 m. Determine the takeoff speed of
the kangaroo.
See Answer

 
See solution below.

11. If Michael Jordan has a vertical leap of 1.29 m, then what is his takeoff speed and his
hang time (total time to move upwards to the peak and then return to the ground)?
See Answer

 
See solution below.

12. A bullet leaves a rifle with a muzzle velocity of 521 m/s. While accelerating through the
barrel of the rifle, the bullet moves a distance of 0.840 m. Determine the acceleration of the
bullet (assume a uniform acceleration).
See Answer
  
See solution below.

13. A baseball is popped straight up into the air and has a hang-time of 6.25 s. Determine
the height to which the ball rises before it reaches its peak. (Hint: the time to rise to the
peak is one-half the total hang-time.)
See Answer

 
See solution below.

14. The observation deck of tall skyscraper 370 m above the street. Determine the time
required for a penny to free fall from the deck to the street below.
See Answer

 
See solution below.

15. A bullet is moving at a speed of 367 m/s when it embeds into a lump of moist clay. The
bullet penetrates for a distance of 0.0621 m. Determine the acceleration of the bullet while
moving into the clay. (Assume a uniform acceleration.)
See Answer

 
See solution below.

16. A stone is dropped into a deep well and is heard to hit the water 3.41 s after being
dropped. Determine the depth of the well.
See Answer

 
See solution below.

 
17. It was once recorded that a Jaguar left skid marks that were 290 m in length. Assuming
that the Jaguar skidded to a stop with a constant acceleration of -3.90 m/s 2, determine the
speed of the Jaguar before it began to skid.
See Answer

 
See solution below.

18. A plane has a takeoff speed of 88.3 m/s and requires 1365 m to reach that speed.
Determine the acceleration of the plane and the time required to reach this speed.
See Answer

 
See solution below.

19. A dragster accelerates to a speed of 112 m/s over a distance of 398 m. Determine the
acceleration (assume uniform) of the dragster.
See Answer

 
See solution below.

20. With what speed in miles/hr (1 m/s = 2.23 mi/hr) must an object be thrown to reach a
height of 91.5 m (equivalent to one football field)? Assume negligible air resistance.
See Answer

 
See solution below.

Solutions to Above Problems

1.
Given: Find:
a = +3.2 m/s2 t = 32.8 s vi = 0 m/s d = ??

2. d = vi*t + 0.5*a*t2
 3. d = (0 m/s)*(32.8 s)+ 0.5*(3.20 m/s2)*(32.8 s)2
4. d = 1720 m
5. Return to Problem 1
6.  
7.
Given: Find:
d = 110 m t = 5.21 s vi = 0 m/s a = ??

8. d = vi*t + 0.5*a*t2
9. 110 m = (0 m/s)*(5.21 s)+ 0.5*(a)*(5.21 s)2
10. 110 m = (13.57 s2)*a
11. a = (110 m)/(13.57 s2)
12. a = 8.10 m/ s2
13. Return to Problem 2
14.  
15.
Given: Find:
a = -9.8 m t = 2.6 s vi = 0 m/s d = ??

vf = ??
16. d = vi*t + 0.5*a*t2
17. d = (0 m/s)*(2.60 s)+ 0.5*(-9.8 m/s2)*(2.60 s)2
18. d = -33.1 m (- indicates direction)
19. vf = vi + a*t
20. vf = 0 + (-9.8 m/s2)*(2.60 s)
21. vf = -25.5 m/s (- indicates direction)
22. Return to Problem 3
23.  
24.
Given: Find:
vi = 18.5 m/s vf = 46.1 m/s t = 2.47 s d = ??

a = ??
25. a = (Delta v)/t
26. a = (46.1 m/s - 18.5 m/s)/(2.47 s)
27. a = 11.2 m/s2
28. d = vi*t + 0.5*a*t2
29. d = (18.5 m/s)*(2.47 s)+ 0.5*(11.2 m/s2)*(2.47 s)2
30. d = 45.7 m + 34.1 m
31. d = 79.8 m
32. (Note: the d can also be calculated using the equation vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d)
33. Return to Problem 4
34.  
35.
Given: Find:
vi = 0 m/s d = -1.40 m a = -1.67 m/s2 t = ??

36. d = vi*t + 0.5*a*t2

37. -1.40 m = (0 m/s)*(t)+ 0.5*(-1.67 m/s2)*(t)2
38. -1.40 m = 0+ (-0.835 m/s2)*(t)2
39. (-1.40 m)/(-0.835 m/s2) = t2
40. 1.68 s2 = t2
41. t = 1.29 s
42. Return to Problem 5
43.  
44.
Given: Find:
vi = 0 m/s vf = 444 m/s t = 1.83 s a = ??

d = ??
45. a = (Delta v)/t
46. a = (444 m/s - 0 m/s)/(1.83 s)
47. a = 243 m/s2
48. d = vi*t + 0.5*a*t2
49. d = (0 m/s)*(1.83 s)+ 0.5*(243 m/s2)*(1.83 s)2
50. d = 0 m + 406 m
51. d = 406 m
52. (Note: the d can also be calculated using the equation vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d)
53. Return to Problem 6
54.  
55.
Given: Find:
vi = 0 m/s vf = 7.10 m/s d = 35.4 m a = ??

56. vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d

57. (7.10 m/s)2 = (0 m/s)2 + 2*(a)*(35.4 m)
58. 50.4 m2/s2 = (0 m/s)2 + (70.8 m)*a
59. (50.4 m2/s2)/(70.8 m) = a
60. a = 0.712 m/s2
61. Return to Problem 7
62.  
63.
Given: Find:
vi = 0 m/s vf = 65 m/s a = 3 m/s2 d = ??

64. vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d

65. (65 m/s)2 = (0 m/s)2 + 2*(3 m/s2)*d
 66. 4225 m2/s2 = (0 m/s)2 + (6 m/s2)*d
67. (4225 m2/s2)/(6 m/s2) = d
68. d = 704 m
69. Return to Problem 8
70.  
71.
Given: Find:
vi = 22.4 m/s vf = 0 m/s t = 2.55 s d = ??

72. d = (vi + vf)/2 *t

73. d = (22.4 m/s + 0 m/s)/2 *2.55 s
74. d = (11.2 m/s)*2.55 s
75. d = 28.6 m
76. Return to Problem 9
77.  
78.
Given: Find:
a = -9.8 m/s2 vf = 0 m/s d = 2.62 m vi = ??

79. vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d

80. (0 m/s)  = vi2 + 2*(-9.8 m/s2)*(2.62 m)
2

81. 0 m2/s2 = vi2 - 51.35 m2/s2

82. 51.35 m2/s2 = vi2
83. vi = 7.17 m/s
84. Return to Problem 10
85.  
86.
Given: Find:
a = -9.8 m/s2 vf = 0 m/s d = 1.29 m vi = ??

t = ??
87. vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d
88. (0 m/s)2 = vi2 + 2*(-9.8 m/s2)*(1.29 m)
89. 0 m2/s2 = vi2 - 25.28 m2/s2
90. 25.28 m2/s2 = vi2
91. vi = 5.03 m/s
92. To find hang time, find the time to the peak and then double it.
93. vf = vi + a*t
94. 0 m/s = 5.03 m/s + (-9.8 m/s2)*tup
95. -5.03 m/s = (-9.8 m/s2)*tup
96. (-5.03 m/s)/(-9.8 m/s2) = tup
97. tup = 0.513 s
98. hang time = 1.03 s
99. Return to Problem 11
100.  
101.
Given: Find:
vi = 0 m/s vf = 521 m/s d = 0.840 m a = ??

102. vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d

103. (521 m/s)2 = (0 m/s)2 + 2*(a)*(0.840 m)
104. 271441 m2/s2 = (0 m/s)2 + (1.68 m)*a
105. (271441 m2/s2)/(1.68 m) = a
106. a = 1.62*105 m /s2
107. Return to Problem 12
108.  
109.
Given: Find:
a = -9.8 m/s2 vf = 0 m/s t = 3.13 s d = ??

a. (NOTE: the time required to move to the peak of the trajectory is one-half the
total hang time - 3.125 s.)
 

First use: vf = vi + a*t

0 m/s = vi + (-9.8 m/s2)*(3.13 s)
0 m/s = vi - 30.7 m/s
vi = 30.7 m/s  (30.674 m/s)
Now use: vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d
(0 m/s)2 = (30.7 m/s)2 + 2*(-9.8 m/s2)*(d)
0 m2/s2 = (940 m2/s2) + (-19.6 m/s2)*d
-940 m2/s2 = (-19.6 m/s2)*d
(-940 m2/s2)/(-19.6 m/s2) = d
d = 48.0 m
Return to Problem 13
 
110.
Given: Find:
vi = 0 m/s d = -370 m a = -9.8 m/s2 t = ??

111. d = vi*t + 0.5*a*t2

112. -370 m = (0 m/s)*(t)+ 0.5*(-9.8 m/s2)*(t)2
113. -370 m = 0+ (-4.9 m/s2)*(t)2
 114. (-370 m)/(-4.9 m/s2) = t2
115. 75.5 s2 = t2
116. t = 8.69 s
117. Return to Problem 14
118.  
119.
Given: Find:
vi = 367 m/s vf = 0 m/s d = 0.0621 m a = ??

120. vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d

121. (0 m/s)  = (367 m/s)2 + 2*(a)*(0.0621 m)
2

122. 0 m2/s2 = (134689 m2/s2) + (0.1242 m)*a

123. -134689 m2/s2 = (0.1242 m)*a
124. (-134689 m2/s2)/(0.1242 m) = a
125. a = -1.08*106 m /s2
126. (The - sign indicates that the bullet slowed down.)
127. Return to Problem 15
128.  
129.
Given: Find:
a = -9.8 m/s2 t = 3.41 s vi = 0 m/s d = ??

130. d = vi*t + 0.5*a*t2

131. d = (0 m/s)*(3.41 s)+ 0.5*(-9.8 m/s2)*(3.41 s)2
132. d = 0 m+ 0.5*(-9.8 m/s2)*(11.63 s2)
133. d = -57.0 m
134. (NOTE: the - sign indicates direction)
135. Return to Problem 16
136.  
137.
Given: Find:
a = -3.90 m/s2 vf = 0 m/s d = 290 m vi = ??

138. vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d

139. (0 m/s)2 = vi2 + 2*(-3.90 m/s2)*(290 m)
140. 0 m2/s2 = vi2 - 2262 m2/s2
141. 2262 m2/s2 = vi2
142. vi = 47.6 m /s
143. Return to Problem 17
144.  
145.
Given: Find:
vi = 0 m/s vf = 88.3 m/s d = 1365 m a = ??
 t = ??
146. vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d
147. (88.3 m/s)  = (0 m/s)2 + 2*(a)*(1365 m)
2

148. 7797 m2/s2 = (0 m2/s2) + (2730 m)*a

149. 7797 m2/s2 = (2730 m)*a
150. (7797 m2/s2)/(2730 m) = a
151. a = 2.86 m/s2
152. vf = vi + a*t
153. 88.3 m/s = 0 m/s + (2.86 m/s2)*t
154. (88.3 m/s)/(2.86 m/s2) = t
155. t = 30. 8 s
156. Return to Problem 18
157.  
158.
Given: Find:
vi = 0 m/s vf = 112 m/s d = 398 m a = ??

159. vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d

160. (112 m/s)2 = (0 m/s)2 + 2*(a)*(398 m)
161. 12544 m2/s2 = 0 m2/s2 + (796 m)*a
162. 12544 m2/s2 = (796 m)*a
163. (12544 m2/s2)/(796 m) = a
164. a = 15.8 m/s2
165. Return to Problem 19
166.  
167.
Given: Find:
a = -9.8 m/s2 vf = 0 m/s d = 91.5 m vi = ??

t = ??
168. First, find speed in units of m/s:
169. vf2 = vi2 + 2*a*d
170. (0 m/s)2 = vi2 + 2*(-9.8 m/s2)*(91.5 m)
171. 0 m2/s2 = vi2 - 1793 m2/s2
172. 1793 m2/s2 = vi2
173. vi = 42.3 m/s
174. Now convert from m/s to mi/hr:
175. vi = 42.3 m/s * (2.23 mi/hr)/(1 m/s)
176. vi = 94.4 mi/hr
177. Return to Problem 20

The Kinematic Equations

 Kinematic Equations
 Kinematic Equations and Problem-Solving
 Kinematic Equations and Free Fall
 Sample Problems and Solutions
 Kinematic Equations and Graphs
The goal of this first unit of The Physics Classroom has been to investigate the variety
of means by which the motion of objects can be described. The variety of
representations that we have investigated includes verbal representations, pictorial
representations, numerical representations, and graphical representations (position-time
graphs and velocity-time graphs). In Lesson 6, we will investigate the use of equations
to describe and represent the motion of objects. These equations are known
as kinematic equations.
There are a variety of quantities associated with the motion of objects
- displacement (and distance), velocity (and speed), acceleration, and time. Knowledge
of each of these quantities provides descriptive information about an object's motion.
For example, if a car is known to move with a constant velocity of 22.0 m/s, North for
12.0 seconds for a northward displacement of 264 meters, then the motion of the car is
fully described. And if a second car is known to accelerate from a rest position with an
eastward acceleration of 3.0 m/s2 for a time of 8.0 seconds, providing a final velocity of
24 m/s, East and an eastward displacement of 96 meters, then the motion of this car is
fully described. These two statements provide a complete description of the motion of
an object. However, such completeness is not always known. It is often the case that
only a few parameters of an object's motion are known, while the rest are unknown.
For example as you approach the stoplight, you might know that your car has a velocity
of 22 m/s, East and is capable of a skidding acceleration of 8.0 m/s 2, West. However
you do not know the displacement that your car would experience if you were to slam
on your brakes and skid to a stop; and you do not know the time required to skid to a
stop. In such an instance as this, the unknown parameters can be determined using
physics principles and mathematical equations (the kinematic equations).

The BIG 4
The kinematic equations are a set of four equations that can be utilized to predict
unknown information about an object's motion if other information is known. The
equations can be utilized for any motion that can be described as being either a
constant velocity motion (an acceleration of 0 m/s/s) or a constant acceleration motion.
They can never be used over any time period during which the acceleration is changing.
Each of the kinematic equations include four variables. If the values of three of the four
variables are known, then the value of the fourth variable can be calculated. In this
manner, the kinematic equations provide a useful means of predicting information
about an object's motion if other information is known. For example, if the acceleration
value and the initial and final velocity values of a skidding car is known, then the
 displacement of the car and the time can be predicted using the kinematic equations.
Lesson 6 of this unit will focus upon the use of the kinematic equations to predict the
numerical values of unknown quantities for an object's motion.
The four kinematic equations that describe an object's motion are:

There are a variety of symbols used in the above equations. Each symbol has its own
specific meaning. The symbol d stands for the displacement of the object. The
symbol t stands for the time for which the object moved. The symbol a stands for
the accelerationof the object. And the symbol v stands for the velocity of the object;
a subscript of i after the v (as in vi) indicates that the velocity value is the initial
velocity value and a subscript of f (as in vf) indicates that the velocity value is
the final velocity value.

Each of these four equations

appropriately describes the
mathematical relationship between
the parameters of an object's motion.
As such, they can be used to predict
unknown information about an
object's motion if other information is
known. In the next part of Lesson
6 we will investigate the process of
doing this.
Kinematic Equations and Problem-Solving
 Kinematic Equations
 Kinematic Equations and Problem-Solving
 Kinematic Equations and Free Fall
 Sample Problems and Solutions
 Kinematic Equations and Graphs
The four kinematic equations that describe the mathematical relationship between the
parameters that describe an object's motion were introduced in the previous part of
Lesson 6. The four kinematic equations are:

In the above equations, the symbol d stands for the displacement of the object. The
symbol t stands for the time for which the object moved. The symbol a stands for
the acceleration of the object. And the symbol v stands for the instantaneous velocity
of the object; a subscript of i after the v (as in vi) indicates that the velocity value is
the initial velocity value and a subscript of f (as in vf) indicates that the velocity value
is the final velocity value.
 

Problem-Solving Strategy
In this part of Lesson 6 we will investigate the process of using the equations to
determine unknown information about an object's motion. The process involves the use
of a problem-solving strategy that will be used throughout the course. The strategy
involves the following steps:
1. Construct an informative diagram of the physical situation.
2. Identify and list the given information in variable form.
3. Identify and list the unknown information in variable form.
4. Identify and list the equation that will be used to determine unknown information from
known information.
5. Substitute known values into the equation and use appropriate algebraic steps to solve
for the unknown information.
6. Check your answer to insure that it is reasonable and mathematically correct.
The use of this problem-solving strategy in the solution of the following problem is
modeled in Examples A and B below.

 
Example Problem A
Ima Hurryin is approaching a stoplight moving with a velocity of +30.0 m/s. The light
turns yellow, and Ima applies the brakes and skids to a stop. If Ima's acceleration is
-8.00 m/s2, then determine the displacement of the car during the skidding process.
(Note that the direction of the velocity and the acceleration vectors are denoted by a +
and a - sign.)
The solution to this problem begins by the construction of an informative diagram of
the physical situation. This is shown below. The second step involves the identification
and listing of known information in variable form. Note that the vf value can be inferred
to be 0 m/s since Ima's car comes to a stop. The initial velocity (vi) of the car is +30.0
m/s since this is the velocity at the beginning of the motion (the skidding motion). And
the acceleration (a) of the car is given as - 8.00 m/s2. (Always pay careful attention to
the + and - signs for the given quantities.) The next step of the strategy involves the
listing of the unknown (or desired) information in variable form. In this case, the
problem requests information about the displacement of the car. So d is the unknown
quantity. The results of the first three steps are shown in the table below.
 
Diagram: Given:

vi = +30.0 m/s

vf = 0 m/s

a = - 8.00 m/s2

The next step of the strategy involves identifying a kinematic equation that would allow
you to determine the unknown quantity. There are four kinematic equations to choose
from. In general, you will always choose the equation that contains the three known
and the one unknown variable. In this specific case, the three known variables and the
one unknown variable are vf, vi, a, and d. Thus, you will look for an equation that has
these four variables listed in it. An inspection of the four equations above reveals that
the equation on the top right contains all four variables.
 vf2 = vi2 + 2 • a • d
 

Once the equation is identified and written down, the next step of the strategy involves
substituting known values into the equation and using proper algebraic steps to solve
for the unknown information. This step is shown below.
(0 m/s)2 = (30.0 m/s)2 + 2 • (-8.00 m/s2) • d
0 m2/s2 = 900 m2/s2 + (-16.0 m/s2) • d
(16.0 m/s2) • d = 900 m2/s2 - 0 m2/s2
 (16.0 m/s2)*d = 900 m2/s2
d = (900 m2/s2)/ (16.0 m/s2)
d = (900 m2/s2)/ (16.0 m/s2)
d = 56.3 m
The solution above reveals that the car will skid a distance of 56.3 meters. (Note that
this value is rounded to the third digit.)
The last step of the problem-solving strategy involves checking the answer to assure
that it is both reasonable and accurate. The value seems reasonable enough. It takes a
car a considerable distance to skid from 30.0 m/s (approximately 65 mi/hr) to a stop.
The calculated distance is approximately one-half a football field, making this a very
reasonable skidding distance. Checking for accuracy involves substituting the calculated
value back into the equation for displacement and insuring that the left side of the
equation is equal to the right side of the equation. Indeed it is!

Example Problem B
Ben Rushin is waiting at a stoplight. When it finally turns green, Ben accelerated from
rest at a rate of a 6.00 m/s2 for a time of 4.10 seconds. Determine the displacement of
Ben's car during this time period.
Once more, the solution to this problem begins by the construction of an informative
diagram of the physical situation. This is shown below. The second step of
the strategy involves the identification and listing of known information in variable form.
Note that the vi value can be inferred to be 0 m/s since Ben's car is initially at rest. The
acceleration (a) of the car is 6.00 m/s2. And the time (t) is given as 4.10 s. The next
step of the strategy involves the listing of the unknown (or desired) information in
variable form. In this case, the problem requests information about the displacement of
the car. So d is the unknown information. The results of the first three steps are shown
in the table below.
Diagram: Given:

vi = 0 m/s
t = 4.10 s

a = 6.00 m/s2

 
 The next step of the strategy involves identifying a kinematic equation that would allow
you to determine the unknown quantity. There are four kinematic equations to choose
from. Again, you will always search for an equation that contains the three known
variables and the one unknown variable. In this specific case, the three known variables
and the one unknown variable are t, vi, a, and d. An inspection of the four equations
above reveals that the equation on the top left contains all four variables.
 
 d = vi • t + ½ • a • t2

Once the equation is identified and written down, the next step of the strategy involves
substituting known values into the equation and using proper algebraic steps to solve
for the unknown information. This step is shown below.
d = (0 m/s) • (4.1 s) + ½ • (6.00 m/s2) • (4.10 s)2
d = (0 m) + ½ • (6.00 m/s2) • (16.81 s2)
d = 0 m + 50.43 m
d = 50.4 m
The solution above reveals that the car will travel a distance of 50.4 meters. (Note that
this value is rounded to the third digit.)
The last step of the problem-solving strategy involves checking the answer to assure
that it is both reasonable and accurate. The value seems reasonable enough. A car with
an acceleration of 6.00 m/s/s will reach a speed of approximately 24 m/s
(approximately 50 mi/hr) in 4.10 s. The distance over which such a car would be
displaced during this time period would be approximately one-half a football field,
making this a very reasonable distance. Checking for accuracy involves substituting the
calculated value back into the equation for displacement and insuring that the left side
of the equation is equal to the right side of the equation. Indeed it is!
The two example problems above illustrate how the kinematic equations can be
combined with a simple problem-solving strategyto predict unknown motion parameters
for a moving object. Provided that three motion parameters are known, any of the
remaining values can be determined. In the next part of Lesson 6, we will see how this
strategy can be applied to free fall situations. Or if interested, you can try some practice
problems and check your answer against the given solutions.

Kinematic Equations and Free Fall

 Kinematic Equations
 Kinematic Equations and Problem-Solving
 Kinematic Equations and Free Fall
 Sample Problems and Solutions
 Kinematic Equations and Graphs
As mentioned in Lesson 5, a free-falling object is an object that is falling under the sole
influence of gravity. That is to say that any object that is moving and being acted upon
only be the force of gravity is said to be "in a state of free fall." Such an object will
experience a downward acceleration of 9.8 m/s/s. Whether the object is falling
downward or rising upward towards its peak, if it is under the sole influence of gravity,
then its acceleration value is 9.8 m/s/s.
Like any moving object, the motion of an object in free fall can be described by four
kinematic equations. The kinematic equations that describe any object's motion are:

The symbols in the above equation have a specific meaning: the symbol d stands for
the displacement; the symbol t stands for the time; the symbol a stands for
the acceleration of the object; the symbol vi stands for the initial velocity value;
and the symbol vfstands for the final velocity.
 
 

Applying Free Fall Concepts to Problem-Solving

There are a few conceptual characteristics of free fall motion that will be of value when
using the equations to analyze free fall motion. These concepts are described as
follows:
 An object in free fall experiences an acceleration of -9.8 m/s/s. (The - sign indicates a
downward acceleration.) Whether explicitly stated or not, the value of the acceleration in
the kinematic equations is -9.8 m/s/s for any freely falling object.
 If an object is merely dropped (as opposed to being thrown) from an elevated height,
then the initial velocity of the object is 0 m/s.
 If an object is projected upwards in a perfectly vertical direction, then it will slow down
as it rises upward. The instant at which it reaches the peak of its trajectory, its velocity is 0
m/s. This value can be used as one of the motion parameters in the kinematic equations;
for example, the final velocity (vf) after traveling to the peak would be assigned a value of 0
m/s.
 If an object is projected upwards in a perfectly vertical direction, then the velocity at
which it is projected is equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the velocity that it has
when it returns to the same height. That is, a ball projected vertically with an upward
 velocity of +30 m/s will have a downward velocity of -30 m/s when it returns to the same
height.
These four principles and the four kinematic equations can be combined to solve
problems involving the motion of free falling objects. The two examples below illustrate
application of free fall principles to kinematic problem-solving. In each example,
the problem solving strategy that was introduced earlier in this lesson will be utilized.
 

Example Problem A
Luke Autbeloe drops a pile of roof shingles from the top of a roof located 8.52 meters
above the ground. Determine the time required for the shingles to reach the ground.
The solution to this problem begins by the construction of an informative diagram of
the physical situation. This is shown below. The second step involves the identification
and listing of known information in variable form. You might note that in the statement
of the problem, there is only one piece of numerical information explicitly stated: 8.52
meters. The displacement (d) of the shingles is -8.52 m. (The - sign indicates that the
displacement is downward). The remaining information must be extracted from the
problem statement based upon your understanding of the above principles. For
example, the vi value can be inferred to be 0 m/s since the shingles are dropped
(released from rest; see note above). And the acceleration (a) of the shingles can be
inferred to be -9.8 m/s2 since the shingles are free-falling (see note above). (Always pay
careful attention to the + and - signs for the given quantities.) The next step of the
solution involves the listing of the unknown (or desired) information in variable form. In
this case, the problem requests information about the time of fall. So t is the unknown
quantity. The results of the first three steps are shown in the table below.
Diagram: Given:

vi = 0.0 m/s

d = -8.52 m

a = - 9.8 m/s2

The next step involves identifying a kinematic equation that allows you to determine the
unknown quantity. There are four kinematic equations to choose from. In general, you
will always choose the equation that contains the three known and the one unknown
variable. In this specific case, the three known variables and the one unknown variable
are d, vi, a, and t. Thus, you will look for an equation that has these four variables listed
in it. An inspection of the four equations above reveals that the equation on the top left
contains all four variables.
d = vi • t + ½ • a • t2
Once the equation is identified and written down, the next step involves substituting
known values into the equation and using proper algebraic steps to solve for the
unknown information. This step is shown below.
-8.52 m = (0 m/s) • (t) + ½ • (-9.8 m/s2) • (t)2
-8.52 m = (0 m) *(t) + (-4.9 m/s2) • (t)2
-8.52 m = (-4.9 m/s2) • (t)2
(-8.52 m)/(-4.9 m/s2) = t2
1.739 s2 = t2
t = 1.32 s
The solution above reveals that the shingles will fall for a time of 1.32 seconds before
hitting the ground. (Note that this value is rounded to the third digit.)
The last step of the problem-solving strategy involves checking the answer to assure
that it is both reasonable and accurate. The value seems reasonable enough. The
shingles are falling a distance of approximately 10 yards (1 meter is pretty close to 1
yard); it seems that an answer between 1 and 2 seconds would be highly reasonable.
The calculated time easily falls within this range of reasonability. Checking for accuracy
involves substituting the calculated value back into the equation for time and insuring
that the left side of the equation is equal to the right side of the equation. Indeed it is!

Example Problem B
Rex Things throws his mother's crystal vase vertically upwards with an initial velocity of
26.2 m/s. Determine the height to which the vase will rise above its initial height.
Once more, the solution to this problem begins by the construction of an informative
diagram of the physical situation. This is shown below. The second step involves the
identification and listing of known information in variable form. You might note that in
the statement of the problem, there is only one piece of numerical information explicitly
stated: 26.2 m/s. The initial velocity (vi) of the vase is +26.2 m/s. (The + sign indicates
that the initial velocity is an upwards velocity). The remaining information must be
extracted from the problem statement based upon your understanding of the above
principles. Note that the vf value can be inferred to be 0 m/s since the final state of the
vase is the peak of its trajectory (see note above). The acceleration (a) of the vase is
-9.8 m/s2 (see note above). The next step involves the listing of the unknown (or
desired) information in variable form. In this case, the problem requests information
about the displacement of the vase (the height to which it rises above its starting
height). So d is the unknown information. The results of the first three steps are shown
in the table below.
Diagram: Given:
 vi = 26.2 m/s
vf = 0 m/s

a = -9.8 m/s2

The next step involves identifying a kinematic equation that would allow you to
determine the unknown quantity. There are four kinematic equations to choose from.
Again, you will always search for an equation that contains the three known variables
and the one unknown variable. In this specific case, the three known variables and the
one unknown variable are vi, vf, a, and d. An inspection of the four equations
above reveals that the equation on the top right contains all four variables.
 

vf2 = vi2 + 2 • a • d

Once the equation is identified and written down, the next step involves substituting
known values into the equation and using proper algebraic steps to solve for the
unknown information. This step is shown below.
(0 m/s)2 = (26.2 m/s)2 + 2 •(-9.8m/s2) •d
0 m2/s2 = 686.44 m2/s2 + (-19.6 m/s2) •d
(-19.6 m/s2) • d = 0 m2/s2 -686.44 m2/s2
(-19.6 m/s2) • d = -686.44 m2/s2
d = (-686.44 m2/s2)/ (-19.6 m/s2)
d = 35.0 m
The solution above reveals that the vase will travel upwards for a displacement of 35.0
meters before reaching its peak. (Note that this value is rounded to the third digit.)
The last step of the problem-solving strategy involves checking the answer to assure
that it is both reasonable and accurate. The value seems reasonable enough. The vase
is thrown with a speed of approximately 50 mi/hr (merely approximate 1 m/s to be
equivalent to 2 mi/hr). Such a throw will never make it further than one football field in
height (approximately 100 m), yet will surely make it past the 10-yard line
(approximately 10 meters). The calculated answer certainly falls within this range of
reasonability. Checking for accuracy involves substituting the calculated value back into
the equation for displacement and insuring that the left side of the equation is equal to
the right side of the equation. Indeed it is!
Kinematic equations provide a useful means of determining the value of an unknown
motion parameter if three motion parameters are known. In the case of a free-fall
motion, the acceleration is often known. And in many cases, another motion parameter
can be inferred through a solid knowledge of some basic kinematic principles. The next
part of Lesson 6 provides a wealth of practice problems with answers and solutions.