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

2347 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the magnitude of the force on an electron that is travelling with velocity 2 x 10^4 ms^(-1) in the x direction through a uniform magnetic field of strength 2T in the y direction.


A cannon can fire a cannonball at 20m/s. A sandpit is placed at a distance of 40m away. At what angle should the cannon be fired in order for the cannonball to land in the sand.


Why do skydivers have a terminal velocity?


What is the optimum angle to throw a snowball for maximum horizontal displacement? (Ignore air resistance, assume the snowball is thrown level with the ground. The angle is measured from the ground up)


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