A ball is thrown out of a window 18m off the ground. It is thrown horizontally at 0.5m/s. Show that it takes about 2s to reach the ground

Using the initial information we can see that the acceleration in the 'y' direction is equal to 'g', so from this we can work out the velocity in the 'y' direction 'V(y)' by simply integrating the acceleration with respect to time; so V(y) = 9.8t +c and as the ball is initially at rest c=0. By intergrating the velocity in the y direction V(y) we can then obtain the displacement in the y direction 'S(y)'. So S(y)=0.5gt2+k. Now as we are taking the window as the origin k=0. So S(y)=0.5gt2. When the ball hits the ground the displacement it 18m or S(y)=18. Using our formula for S(y), we can solve for t. t comes out to be 1.92 to 2 d.p, which is roughly 2.

AJ
Answered by Adam J. Physics tutor

4374 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the workings behind the Photoelectric effect


A car of mass M and a maximum power output of P is on an rough inclined plane Θ to the horizontal. What is the maximum velocity (v). Coefficient of friction=μ and air resistance=kv where k is constant


Show that the radius of an orbit may be expressed as follows: R^3=((GM)/4*pi^2)T^2


Describe and explain the first stages of the life cycle of a star before it reaches the main sequence.


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