Question
upstudy study bank question image url

On the moon, the equation \( d=0.8 t^{2} \) is used to find the distance an object has fallen after \( t \) seconds. On Earth, the equation is \( d=4.9 t^{2} \). A rock is thrown from a height of 90 meters on Earth. Plot the graph of the equation on a graphing calculator or other technology to find the time taken to hit the ground to the nearest second.

Ask by Bob Vaughan. in the United States
Jan 21,2025

Real Tutor Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

The rock hits the ground after approximately 4 seconds.

Solution

To determine the time it takes for a rock to hit the ground when thrown from a height of 90 meters on Earth, we'll use the given equation for distance fallen under gravity: \[ d = 4.9 t^{2} \] Where: - \( d \) is the distance fallen in meters. - \( t \) is the time in seconds. **Step 1: Set Up the Equation** When the rock hits the ground, the distance fallen \( d \) will equal the initial height of 90 meters. Therefore: \[ 4.9 t^{2} = 90 \] **Step 2: Solve for \( t \)** 1. **Divide both sides by 4.9:** \[ t^{2} = \frac{90}{4.9} \approx 18.3673 \] 2. **Take the square root of both sides:** \[ t = \sqrt{18.3673} \approx 4.286 \text{ seconds} \] **Step 3: Round to the Nearest Second** \[ t \approx 4.286 \text{ seconds} \] Rounding to the nearest whole number: \[ t \approx 4 \text{ seconds} \] **Conclusion:** The rock will hit the ground approximately **4 seconds** after being thrown from a height of 90 meters on Earth. **Visual Representation:** If you plot the equation \( d = 4.9 t^{2} \) on a graphing calculator: 1. **Graph \( y = 4.9 t^{2} \).** 2. **Draw a horizontal line at \( y = 90 \) meters.** 3. **Find the intersection point of the two graphs.** This intersection occurs at \( t \approx 4.286 \) seconds, confirming our calculation. **Final Answer:** To the nearest second, the rock hits the ground after **4 seconds**.

Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

Beyond the Answer

To solve this problem, we start with the equation for distance on Earth, given as \( d = 4.9t^2 \). Since the rock is thrown from a height of 90 meters, we need to set the equation equal to the height from which it was thrown and solve for \( t \): \[ 90 = 4.9t^2 \] Rearranging this, we have: \[ t^2 = \frac{90}{4.9} \] Calculating this gives: \[ t^2 \approx 18.37 \] Taking the square root results in: \[ t \approx 4.29 \text{ seconds} \] Rounding to the nearest second gives \( t \approx 4 \) seconds. --- On Earth, gravity is about 9.81 m/s², which is reflected in the equation by the \( 4.9 \) factor (since \( 4.9 \) is half of \( 9.81 \)). This means the rock falls quicker than you'd think! Always remember to adjust the equation based on the height from which you're dropping or throwing the object. Opting for technology, grappling with graphing calculators or software (like Desmos) can visually illustrate where the \( t \) intercepts happen, making it easy to see the exact moment it hits the ground. This can be especially helpful when dealing with different heights or modifying conditions!

Related Questions

Latest Physics Questions

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy