The graph below shows a crow flying along at a constant speed, carrying a ball. Suddenly, the crow drops the ball. The diagram shows the position of the crow and the ball at five points in time. According to the trend shown by the graph below, at what height was the ball most likely at 3.5 seconds? (2 points)

Question

This question made no sense to me and I don't understand it.

A) approximately 58 m*******
B)approximately 39 m
C)approximately 50 m
D)approximately 30 m

Answer 1

4.9 t^2 = falling distance if initial vertical component of speed was zero
4.9 (3.5)^2 = 60 meters fall
so 60 meters BELOW THE CROW. (you did not say how high the crow was)

that is because if g = 9.8 m/s^2
then in the vertical direction
a = -9.8 m/s^2
v = Vi - 9.8 t where Vi is initial speed up
z = Hi + Vi t - (9.8/2) t^2 where Hi is initial height

Note that if the crow continued on the same level path, the ball hits the ground right under the crow because there is no horizontal acceleration. If you drop a bomb from your airplane, turn.