Final answer:
Using the kinematic equation for free fall, we calculate that the student has approximately 0.49 seconds to catch the dropped strawberry from 1.2 meters.
proximately 0.49 seconds to catch the strawberry before it hits the ground.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the time it takes for the strawberry to hit the ground when dropped from a height of 1.2 meters, we can use the kinematic equation for an object in free fall:
s = ut + ½ at²
Where:
- s is the displacement (1.2 meters)
- u is the initial velocity (0 m/s since the strawberry is dropped)
- a is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s² on Earth)
- t is the time in seconds
Plugging in the numbers:
1.2 = 0 * t + 0.5 * 9.8 * t²
1.2 = 4.9t²Thus,
t² = 1.2 / 4.9
t² = ≈ 0.24
t = √0.24
t ≈ 0.49 seconds
The student therefore has ap