SPH4U: Physics, Grade 12, University

Unit 1: Motion in a Plane

Activity 1: Working with Vectors

Answers to Assignment

1. If an object is thrown upward and then caught at the same height from which it
was thrown,

(A) what is the object’s acceleration as it is rising, at maximum height, and as

it is falling back down?

Answer: Acceleration is 9.8 m/s2 [down] at all times.

(B) how do the initial and final velocities compare?

Answer: They are the same.

(C) how does the time required for the upward trip compare to the time for the
downward trip?

Answer: The same time is required for the upward trip as for the
downward trip.

(D) what is the instantaneous velocity at maximum height?

Answer: The instantaneous velocity at maximum height is 0 m/s.

2. A ball is kicked straight up from ground level at a velocity of 13 m/s. Find:

(A) the maximum height

(B) the time at which the ball reaches maximum height

(C) the ball’s velocity just before it hits the ground upon returning

Given:
(A) Required: at maximum height

Analysis and Solution:

Let [up] be positive.

At maximum height, .

Rearranging for

(maximum height)

Paraphrase:Therefore maximum height is 8.62 m.

(B) Required: at maximum height

Analysis and Solution:

Time to get to maximum height:

But at maximum height. Therefore:

 Rearranging to solve for :

Paraphrase: The time it takes to reach maximum height is 1.33 s.

(C) Required: for entire trip

Analysis and Solution:

If the time it takes to complete the upward trip is 1.33 s, the time for
the total trip will be 2(1.33 s) = 2.66 s.

Paraphrase: The time it takes the ball to come back to ground is 2.66 s.

(D) Required:

Analysis and Solution:

Paraphrase: Just before it hits the ground, the ball will have a velocity of
13 m/s [down].