Question

You want to calculate the displacement of an object thrown over a bridge. Using -10 m/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? SHOW YOUR WORK!

Answer 1

Answer

The total displacement of the object is 320 m

Solution-

From the formulas of mechanics,

$s=ut+\frac{1}{2}at^{2}$

Where,

s = displacement

u = initial velocity = 0               ( ∵ As the body was in rest in the beginning )

t = time taken = 8 s

a = acceleration = -10 m/s²      ( ∵ -ve is because of the downward motion)

Putting all the values,

$s= 0 \times 8 + \frac{1}{2}(-10)8^{2} = -320 \ m$ ( ∵ -ve displacement means it is in downwards)