Thread: Velocity of a Ball

A small rubber ball is thrown into the air by a child at a velocity of 20 feet per second. the child releases the ball 4 feet above the ground. What is the velocity of the ball after 1 second?
modeled by: s(t)=-16t^2+v0t +s0 where v0 is the velocity and s0 is the vertical position of object at time t=0....HUH?

I need help on how to set up. TY!

Originally Posted by Snarfsnarf2006

A small rubber ball is thrown into the air by a child at a velocity of 20 feet per second. the child releases the ball 4 feet above the ground. What is the velocity of the ball after 1 second?
modeled by: s(t)=-16t^2+v0t +s0 where v0 is the velocity and s0 is the vertical position of object at time t=0....HUH?

I need help on how to set up. TY!

I assume you are in a Calculus class. The velocity is the first time derivative of the position function.

-Dan

I'm sorry, but I don't understand your statement. Could you kindly explain? Sadly, yes, I'm in calculus...it makes no sense to me.

Originally Posted by Snarfsnarf2006

I'm sorry, but I don't understand your statement. Could you kindly explain? Sadly, yes, I'm in calculus...it makes no sense to me.

s(t) is your position function.

is your velocity function. Take the derivative of s(t) to get v(t) and plug in t = 1.

Or are you saying you don't know how to do the derivative?

-Dan

both actually. My brain just doesn't seem to grasp math. Particularly w/letters and #'s. Sorry to be a pest.

Originally Posted by Snarfsnarf2006

both actually. My brain just doesn't seem to grasp math. Particularly w/letters and #'s. Sorry to be a pest.

You aren't being a pest. I'm just worried for you in your class. You really need to speak with your teacher about this.
and , so





Thus at t = 1:


So the velocity is 12 ft/s downward.

Please tell me/us all what you don't understand in the above, if anything.

-Dan