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The STANDARD formula for the height of a projectile launched vertically up is
h(t) = -at^2 + bt + c, (1)
where "a", "b" and "c" are real numbers, a > 0. In this formula
(a) the initial height is equal to the coefficient "c" value;
(b) the initial velocity is the coefficient "b" in the formula;
(c) the coefficient "a" value is half of the gravity acceleration.
For the Earth conditions, the gravity acceleration is g = 9.81 m/s^2, or 32 ft/s^2.
THEREFORE, if you use meters for height, you may use the approximate value of g = 10 m/s^2.
So, in this case a = = 5 (the numerical value).
ALTERNATIVELY, if you use feet for height, you should use the approximate value of g = 32 ft/s^2.
So, in this case a = = 16 (the numerical value).
(d) To find the height at the time moment "t", simply substitute the value of "t" into the formula (1) and calculate.
(e) To find the time "t" when the height has a given value h = , substitute h = into equation (1)
and solve equation
h(t) = -at^2 + bt + c = . (2)
(f) To find the time when the height is maximal, use the formula
= . (3)
(g) To find the maximal height, substitute the time value t= of the formula (3) into the formula (1).
That's all you need to know.
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To see numerous examples of solved problems, look into the lessons
- Problem on a projectile moving vertically up and down
- Problem on an arrow shot vertically upward
- Problem on a ball thrown vertically up from the top of a tower
- Problem on a toy rocket launched vertically up from a tall platform
in this site.
Consider these lessons as your textbook, handbook, tutorials and (free of charge) home teacher.
Read them attentively and learn how to solve this type of problems once and for all.
Also, you have this free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-I in this site
- ALGEBRA-I - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK.
The referred lessons are the part of this textbook under the topic "Projectiles launched/thrown and moving vertically up and dawn".
Save the link to this online textbook together with its description
Free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-I
https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/quadratic/lessons/ALGEBRA-I-YOUR-ONLINE-TEXTBOOK.lesson
to your archive and use it when it is needed.
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Comment from student : To find out when the ball will hit the ground,
let h = 0 and solve for t. h = 3 + 14t - 5t^2. 0 = 3 + 14t - 5t^2. Yes?
My response : Yes. Correct.