Question

A big cruise ship dropped anchor off the Caribbean island of Barbuda. The heavy anchor was released from a height of 54 meters above the water's surface, and it fell at a constant rate. After 35 seconds, the anchor was 9 meters below the water's surface. How fast did the anchor drop? How long did it take the anchor to reach the water's surface?

Answer 1

Part 1)
`1.8(m)/(s)`

Part 2)
`30\ sec`

Explanation:

Step 1

Find the speed at which the anchor dropped

we know that

The speed is equal to the distance divided by the time

In this problem the distance is equal to

`54+9=63\ m`

And the time is equal to
`35\ sec`

substitute and find the speed

`(63)/(35)= 1.8(m)/(s)`

Step 2

Find the time taken for the anchor to reach the water's surface

Remember that

`speed=(distance)/(time)`

In this part we have

`speed=1.8(m)/(s)`

`distance=54\ m`

Substitute and solve for the time

`1.8=(54)/(time)`

`time=54/1.8=30\ sec`

Answer 2

54+9= 63 m = distance and time=35 sec hence, speed= 63/35=9/5=1.8 m/s
time taken to reach water surface= distance/speed=54/1.8=30 sec