Estimate (a) how long it took King Kong to fall straight down from the top of the Empire State Building (380m high), and (b) his velocity just before "landing"?

Question

anonymous · Answer

I know this is an easy problem... but the physics teach I have now is one of the worst teachers I have ever had. I NEED HELP!

anonymous · Answer

And if someone could explain this to me, that would be great! :)

shane_b · Answer

Part a:
His initial velocity (Vi) is 0m/s and the only acceleration is due to gravity (9.8m/s^2).  His time to fall can be calculated by using:$$d=V_it+\frac{1}{2}at^2$$$$380m=\frac{1}{2}(9.8m/s^2)t^2$$Solving for to you get t=8.81s.

Part b:
To find his final velocity (Vf) you can use this kinematic equation and plug in the time just just found above:$$V_f=V_i+at=(9.8m/s^2)(8.81s)=86.34m/s$$

noelgreco · Answer

Poor monkey!