Question

You want to calculate the displacement of an object thrown over a bridge. Using -10 m/s^2 for acceleration due to gravity, what would be the total displacement of the object if it took 8 seconds before hitting the water? SHOW YOUR WORK!

Answer 1

The total displacement of the object is 320 m

Solution-

From the formulas of mechanics,

`s=ut+(1)/(2)at^(2)`

Where,

s = displacement

u = initial velocity = 0 ( ∵ As the body was in rest in the beginning )

t = time taken = 8 s

a = acceleration = -10 m/s² ( ∵ -ve is because of the downward motion)

Putting all the values,

`s= 0 * 8 + (1)/(2)(-10)8^(2) = -320 \ m` ( ∵ -ve displacement means it is in downwards)