A ball is gently dropped from a height of 20 m. If its velocity increases uniformly at the rate of 10 m s−2, with what velocity will it strike the ground? After what time will it strike the ground?
Distance covered by the ball, s = 20 m
Acceleration, a = 10 m/s2
Initially, velocity, u = 0 (since the ball was initially at rest)
Final velocity of the ball with which it strikes the ground, v
According to the third equation of motion:
v2 = u2 + 2 as
v2 = 0 + 2 (10) (20)
v = 20 m/s
According to the first equation of motion:
v = u + at
Where,
Time, t taken by the ball to strike the ground is,
20 = 0 + 10 (t)
t = 2 s
Hence, the ball strikes the ground after 2 s with a velocity of 20 m/s.