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What formula can be used to determine the velocity of an object in free fall?

User Xaltar
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

The formula to determine the velocity of an object in free fall is V = Vo - gt. For an object falling for 2 seconds, the velocity when it hits the ground can be calculated using V = -9.8 m/s² * 2 s = -19.6 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula that can be used to determine the velocity of an object in free fall is V = Vo - gt. Here, V represents the final velocity, Vo is the initial velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and t is the time.

For example, if an object is dropped from rest, the initial velocity Vo would be 0, and the formula simplifies to V = -gt. The acceleration due to gravity near the surface of Earth is approximately -9.8 m/s².

So, if we assume the object is falling for 2 seconds, the velocity when it hits the ground can be calculated using the formula V = -9.8 m/s² * 2 s = -19.6 m/s.

User Adilli Adil
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Assuming that you're given either an initial or final velocity, you can use the following equation and solve for the initial or final velocity.

Vyf² = Vyi² - 2g(y - y₀)

Where,
Vyf² = final velocity
Vyi₂² = initial velocity
g = 9.81 m/s²
(y - y₀) = the change in the distance along the y-axis.

You'll need also determine the positive and negative of your y-axis for your final solution because velocity can be positive or negative based on direction. Lastly, don't forget to square root both sides of your equation for your velocity.

I hope this helps.
User Linovia
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