Question

The formula can be used to find the velocity v in feet per second of an object that has fallen h feet. Find the velocity of an object that has fallen 23 feet. Round your answer to the nearest hundredth.

Answer 1

The formula for a falling object is
v = u +gt
where
u = initial velocity (=0 for a falling object)
g = acceleration due to gravity, 32.2 ft/s²
t = time, s

In terms of distance fallen,
v² = u² + 2gh
where h = distance fallen, ft.

Because h = 23 ft and u = 0, therefore
v² = 2*32.2*23 = 1481.2
v = 38.486 ft/s

Answer: 28.49 ft/s (nearest hundredth)