a person is hanging on a ladder connected to a ascending helicopter. At 130m above the water, the person drops a suitcase, 6 seconds later it hits the water. How fast is the helicopter ascending?

Question

anonymous · Answer

x = vt + 1/2gt^2
g is the acceleration due to gravity, v is initial velocity, t is time, x is final position.

taking the origin to be where the suitcase is dropped
you know x = -130m (height dropped)
you know  t = 6 seconds
you know g = 9.8
so solve that for v (initial velocity)

anonymous · Answer

wouldnt accelerations due to gravity be negative

anonymous · Answer

yep sorry, g = -9.8

anonymous · Answer

initial velocity is 7.8?

anonymous · Answer

sounds reasonable, within the right sort of range for a helicopter velocity.

anonymous · Answer

alright thanks, my problem was i didnt make the 130m negative

anonymous · Answer

ahh cool :)

anonymous · Answer

<3