Question

A model rocket flies horizontally off the edge of a cliff at a velocity of 50.0 m/s. If the canyon below is 100.0 m deep, how far from the edge of the cliff does the model rocket land?

Answer 1

First calculate for the time it takes for the model rocket to reach the land. Using the formula:

h = vi t + 0.5 g t^2

where h is height = 100 m, vi is initial vertical velocity = 0 since it simply dropped, t is time = ?, g = 9.8 m/s^2

 

100 = 0.5 (9.8) t^2

t = 4.52 seconds

 

So the total horizontal distance taken is:

d = 50 m/s * 4.52 s

d = 225.90 m