Question: While sitting on a tree branch 8.0 m above the ground, you drop a chestnut. When the chestnut has fallen 2.6 m, you throw a second chestnut straight down. What initial speed must you give the second chestnut if they are both to reach the ground at the same time?
The answer I got but it isnt correct:
1st chestnut: X=X0+0.5at^2+V0t
5.4m= 0.5(9.81m/s^2)t^2
t=1.049s
Chestnut 2: Used same equation
8m=0.5(9.81m/s^2)(1.049^2)+V0(1.049)
V0=2.48sec
If anyone can point out what I am doing wrong in this problem I would really appreciate the help.

Question

Question: While sitting on a tree branch 8.0 m above the ground, you drop a chestnut. When the chestnut has fallen 2.6 m, you throw a second chestnut straight down. What initial speed must you give the second chestnut if they are both to reach the ground at the same time?
The answer I got but it isnt correct:
1st chestnut: X=X0+0.5at^2+V0t
5.4m= 0.5(9.81m/s^2)t^2
t=1.049s
Chestnut 2: Used same equation
8m=0.5(9.81m/s^2)(1.049^2)+V0(1.049)
V0=2.48sec
If anyone can point out what I am doing wrong in this problem I would really appreciate the help.

irishboy123 · Answer

1st chestnut: X=X0+0.5at^2+V0t
5.4m= 0.5(9.81m/s^2)t^2

here, you have calc'd time for 1st to fall 5.4, ie 8 - 2.6., from zero initial velocity

but by time it has fallen 2.6m it already has a velocity

anonymous · Answer

so i use the X=X0+0.5at^2+V0t formula using the X=2.6 to determine the V0 then use that V0 and put that into the 5.4m= 0.5(9.81m/s^2)t^2+V0t equation?

anonymous · Answer

or nvm i would use V^2 = V0^2 +2a(2.6)

anonymous · Answer

I got final answer of V0 for chestnut two to be 7.14 m/s. Is that correct?