Question

An apple dropped from the branch of a tree hits the ground in 0.5 s. If the acceleration of the apple during its motion is 10 ms-2 in the downward direction. Calculate ----- Its speed just before it hits the ground. What is its average velocity during 0.5 s? Calculate the height of the branch of the tree from the ground?

Answer 1

Given that,

Time = 0.5 s

Acceleration = 10 m/s²

(I). We need to calculate the speed of apple

Using equation of motion

$v=u+at$

Where, v = speed

u = initial speed

a = acceleration

t = time

Put the value into the formula

$v=0+10\times0.5$

$v=5\ m/s$

(III). We need to calculate the height of the branch of the tree from the ground

Using equation of motion

$s=ut+\dfrac{1}{2}gt^2$

Put the value into the formula

$s=0+\dfrac{1}{2}\times10\times(0.5)^2$

$s=1.25\ m$

(II). We need to calculate the average velocity during 0.5 sec

Using formula of average velocity

$v_{avg}=\dfrac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$

$v_{avg}=\dfrac{x_{f}-x_{i}}{t_{f}-t_{0}}$

Where, $x_{f}$= final position

$x_{i}$ = initial position

Put the value into the formula

$v_{avg}=\dfrac{1.25+0}{0.5}$

$v_{avg}=2.5\ m/s$

Hence, (I). The speed of apple is 5 m/s.

(II). The average velocity during 0.5 sec is 2.5 m/s

(III). The height of the branch of the tree from the ground is 1.25 m.