Imagine a ball rolls off a set of stairs with horizontal velocity, u; the stairs have a height, h and length of l. Find a formula for which step the ball will hit, n.

We set up equations in horizontal and vertical directions assuming constant acceleration due to gravity, g. It is always useful to draw a diagram to see what's going on. Using the SUVAT formula of s = ut + 1/2at^2 in both directions, we obtain equations of; vertical: s_y = nh = 1/2gt^2, horizontal: s_x = nl = u_0*t. We now eliminate t from these equations (by substitution) and make n the subject of the formula. Solving gives: n = (2hu^2)/(gl^2).
I wanted to go through some examples using this which involves some physics thinking of the problem, i.e. what happens in cases of u = 1.5 m/s with h = l = 0.2 m, and the case of u = 3 m/s with h = l = 0.2 m.

JB
Answered by Joshua B. Physics tutor

2414 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the definition of the photoelectric effect?


Explain the photo-electric effect and how the particle theory of light explains the phenomena. State the equation used to the determine the kinetic energy of a photo-electron and explain the origin of the terms used in your equation.


A roller coaster has a loop, r = 20m, how fast should it travel so that riders don't fall out?


What is a vector?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning