Question

During a windy storm, a branch breaks off from a tree at a height of 12.0 m from the ground. Calculate the velocity of the branch right before it hits the ground.

A) 12.0 m/s
B) 0.0 m/s
C) 2.45 m/s
D) 5.43 m/s

Answer 1

Using the kinematic formula for free-fall, the velocity of the branch before it hits the ground can be calculated, which yields approximately 15.35 m/s. However, this does not match any of the given answer choices, and it's possible that the question contains an error or additional factors like air resistance were intended to be considered.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the velocity of the branch right before it hits the ground, we can use the kinematic equation for free-fall motion given by:

v = √(2gh)

where:

• v is the final velocity
• g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s2)
• h is the height from which the branch falls

Plugging in the height of 12.0 m for h, we get:

v = √(2 * 9.81 m/s2 * 12.0 m)

v = √(235.44 m2/s2)

v ≈ 15.35 m/s

However, since this specific final velocity value is not offered among the answer choices, it's possible that the question intended for the effect of air resistance to be included, or there could be a discrepancy in the initial setup of the problem. Therefore, we cannot confidently select one of the provided answer options A (12.0 m/s), B (0.0 m/s), C (2.45 m/s), or D (5.43 m/s).