Physics 151: Computerized Recitation #2

1-D Kinematics with Acceleration

This excursion will focus on kinematics (the study of motion) problems where acceleration is non-zero. We will explore the five equations involving x, v₀, v, a, and t. You should have a paper printout of a worksheet that accompanies this web page in front of you.

Simulation 1: Balloon & Cargo

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

At t = 10 s, the rope holding cargo on a hot-air balloon is cut and the cargo is in free-fall (position is given in meters and time is given in seconds).  The table gives you the coordinates of the cargo.

• Worksheet: What is the velocity of the cargo before the rope is cut?
• Worksheet: At what instant does the cargo reach its maximum height?  Calculate t and compare it to what you measure in the animation (to the nearest 0.05 s).
• Worksheet: What is the maximum height (relative to the ground) reached by the cargo? Calculate this height and compare it to what you measure in the animation.
• Worksheet: Calculate the instantaneous velocity of the cargo at the instant (just before) it hits the ground.

Click here to go on to Simulation #2.