If a particle of mass m is launched vertically upwards from the ground with velocity u m/s, how long will it take to return to the ground in terms of m, u and g?

Taking upwards to be positive, and using the 'suvat' equation s=ut+1/2at2 we know that u=u, a=-g and s=0 when the particle returns to the ground. Then we solve for t:
0=ut-1/2gt20=t(u-1/2gt)
So the particle is at the ground at t=0 or t=2u/g. Since we know the particle starts at the ground (t=0) we must have that it takes 2u/g seconds to return to the ground

JV
Answered by Jackie V. Maths tutor

3331 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you differentiate y=x^x?


When do I use the product rule as opposed to the chain rule?


A pot of water is heated to 100C and then placed in a room at a temperature of 18C. After 5 minutes, the pan temperature falls by 20C. Find the temperature after 10minutes.


I don't understand why the function "f(x)=x^2 for all real values of x" has no inverse. Isn't sqrt(x) the inverse?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning