When the student lets go of the water balloon, it will begin to fall due to the force of gravity. The motion of the balloon can be analyzed as a free fall problem, which is influenced by several factors:
-
Initial Conditions: The balloon starts from rest when it is released. Its initial velocity is zero.
-
Gravity: The only force acting on the balloon (ignoring air resistance for simplicity) is the force of gravity, which accelerates the balloon downward at approximately \(9.81 , \text{m/s}^2\).
-
Time of Fall: The distance the balloon falls can be calculated using the formula for distance under constant acceleration: \[ d = v_i t + \frac{1}{2} g t^2 \] where:
- \(d\) is the distance fallen,
- \(v_i\) is the initial velocity (0 m/s since it’s released),
- \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \(9.81 , \text{m/s}^2\)),
- \(t\) is the time in seconds.
-
Impact and Splash: When the balloon reaches the ground, it will likely burst upon impact, releasing the water inside and possibly creating a splash. The height from which it falls and the material of the balloon will affect the severity of the splash and the dispersion of water.
-
Air Resistance: If air resistance is considered, it will act in the opposite direction to the motion of the balloon, slowing it down slightly, especially if the balloon reaches terminal velocity before it hits the ground.
Overall, the situation illustrates the principles of physics related to free fall, motion under gravity, and the effects of forces on objects.