A person stands on top of a cliff and throws a ball with a speed of 20 m/s at an angle of 10 degrees from above the horizontal into the sea. What is the height of the cliff to 1 decimal place?

I would begin by instructing them to draw a diagram of the problem. This would be of a cliff, labelled height sy, with an arrow representing the ball being thrown from the top. This should be labelled with the velocity and angle of projection. I would then instruct them to choose a direction for the vertical and horizontal and thus split the problem into the two planes. Then, I would advise they write down what they know in terms of the variables of motion (i.e. x/y initial/final velocity, displacement, time, acceleration) which, in this case, is uy = 20sin10, ux=20cos10, ay=-9.8 ms-2 and tf=3s. Then, I would advise that they consider what variable they are looking for (sy) and to find the appropriate equation of motion that includes variables that we know or can calculate. Thus, they should find that the useful e.o.m. is s=ut+1/2at2 and thus obtain the final answer of 33.7m.

Answered by Archie C. Physics tutor

1558 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A Positron has the same mass, but opposite charge to an electron. A Positron and electron are orbiting around each other separated by 1μm, in a stable circular orbit about their centre of mass, as a result of electrostatic attraction. Calculate the period


A car of mass 1500kg is travelling at 10 ms-1 along a horizontal road. A brake force of 3000N brings it to rest. Calculate the deceleration of the car and the distance travelled by the car whilst decelerating.


Asteroid of mass 10^16 kg is travelling in the equatorial plane of Earth. It hits the surface at 45°. After the impact the day shortens by 1% (15 mins). How fast was the asteroid - comment? Neglect effects of atmosphere. Consider only inelastic collision.


2 identical trolleys of mass M(one is loaded with 2 blocks of mass m) are on a ramp inclined at 35° and are connected by a wire that passes around a pulley at the top of the ramp. They are released and accelerate accordingly. Show that a=(mgsin35°)/(M+m).


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences