Imagine a ball rolls off a set of stairs with horizontal velocity, u; the stairs have a height, h and length of l. Find a formula for which step the ball will hit, n.

We set up equations in horizontal and vertical directions assuming constant acceleration due to gravity, g. It is always useful to draw a diagram to see what's going on. Using the SUVAT formula of s = ut + 1/2at^2 in both directions, we obtain equations of; vertical: s_y = nh = 1/2gt^2, horizontal: s_x = nl = u_0*t. We now eliminate t from these equations (by substitution) and make n the subject of the formula. Solving gives: n = (2hu^2)/(gl^2).
I wanted to go through some examples using this which involves some physics thinking of the problem, i.e. what happens in cases of u = 1.5 m/s with h = l = 0.2 m, and the case of u = 3 m/s with h = l = 0.2 m.

JB
Answered by Joshua B. Physics tutor

1975 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how Maxima and Minima occur in Young's double slit experiment


What is an electron volt?


Draw and describe the major points of a typical stress-strain graph for a metal.


How is a piezoelectric crystal used to generate waves of ultrasound?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning