The equation h = 16t² can be used to estimate the height (h) an object is dropped from given the time in seconds (s) it falls. M a. If you dropped a rock off a cliff and it took 2.5 seconds to hit, how tall is the cliff? b. If a cliff were 2,500' tall, how long would it take?

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### Estimating the Height of a Falling Object

The equation \( h = 16t^2 \) can be used to estimate the height (h) an object is dropped from, given the time in seconds (t) it falls.

#### Exercises:
1. **Scenario A:**
   If you dropped a rock off a cliff and it took 2.5 seconds to hit the ground, how tall is the cliff?

2. **Scenario B:**
   If a cliff were 2,500 feet tall, how long would it take for a rock to hit the ground if dropped from the top?

---

### Detailed Explanation

The equation \( h = 16t^2 \) helps us understand the relationship between the height and the time it takes for an object to fall. Here's what each part of the equation represents:

- **h**: Height in feet
- **t**: Time in seconds
- **16**: A constant that represents half the acceleration due to gravity (assuming the object is falling freely under gravity with no air resistance).

#### Example Solutions:
1. **Solving Scenario A:**
   - Given: \( t = 2.5 \) seconds
   - Substitute the given time into the equation:
     \[
     h = 16 \times (2.5)^2
     \]
   - Calculate:
     \[
     h = 16 \times 6.25 = 100 \text{ feet}
     \]
   - **Answer:** The cliff is 100 feet tall.

2. **Solving Scenario B:**
   - Given: \( h = 2500 \) feet
   - Use the equation and solve for t:
     \[
     2500 = 16t^2
     \]
   - Rearrange for t:
     \[
     t^2 = \frac{2500}{16} = 156.25
     \]
   - Calculate the square root to find t:
     \[
     t = \sqrt{156.25} = 12.5 \text{ seconds}
     \]
   - **Answer:** It would take 12.5 seconds for the rock to hit the ground.

By applying the formula and solving these exercises, you gain a better understanding of how to estimate the height of a cliff or the time an object takes to fall, given specific conditions.
Transcribed Image Text:### Estimating the Height of a Falling Object The equation \( h = 16t^2 \) can be used to estimate the height (h) an object is dropped from, given the time in seconds (t) it falls. #### Exercises: 1. **Scenario A:** If you dropped a rock off a cliff and it took 2.5 seconds to hit the ground, how tall is the cliff? 2. **Scenario B:** If a cliff were 2,500 feet tall, how long would it take for a rock to hit the ground if dropped from the top? --- ### Detailed Explanation The equation \( h = 16t^2 \) helps us understand the relationship between the height and the time it takes for an object to fall. Here's what each part of the equation represents: - **h**: Height in feet - **t**: Time in seconds - **16**: A constant that represents half the acceleration due to gravity (assuming the object is falling freely under gravity with no air resistance). #### Example Solutions: 1. **Solving Scenario A:** - Given: \( t = 2.5 \) seconds - Substitute the given time into the equation: \[ h = 16 \times (2.5)^2 \] - Calculate: \[ h = 16 \times 6.25 = 100 \text{ feet} \] - **Answer:** The cliff is 100 feet tall. 2. **Solving Scenario B:** - Given: \( h = 2500 \) feet - Use the equation and solve for t: \[ 2500 = 16t^2 \] - Rearrange for t: \[ t^2 = \frac{2500}{16} = 156.25 \] - Calculate the square root to find t: \[ t = \sqrt{156.25} = 12.5 \text{ seconds} \] - **Answer:** It would take 12.5 seconds for the rock to hit the ground. By applying the formula and solving these exercises, you gain a better understanding of how to estimate the height of a cliff or the time an object takes to fall, given specific conditions.
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