Question

You want to calculate the displacement of an object thrown over a bridge. Using -10m/s^2 for acceleration due to gravity, what would be the total displacement of the object if it took 8 seconds before hitting the water?

Answer 1

given that acceleration due to gravity is a = -10 m/s^2

initial speed will be ZERO

and we need to find the displacement in t = 8 s

now we can use kinematics equation to find the displacement

$\delta y = v_y * t + \frac{1}{2}at^2$

now plug in all values in it

$\delta y = 0* 8 + \frac{1}{2}*(-10)*8^2$

$\delta y = -320 m$

so it will displace downwards by 320 m