A car is moving horizontally at a constant speed of ux = 10 ms-1 towards a cliff edge. The vertical distance from the top of the cliff to the ocean below is 20 m. The car drives horizontally off the cliff and lands in the ocean below.
Consider the uniform acceleration equation that describes displacement as a function of time t,
S(t) = ut + 1 at2.
2
a) Explain, using words, why the above equation becomes the equation stated below when considering only the horizontal displacement of the car,
? Sx(t) = uxt.
[The answer to this part of the question must be typed in own words.]
[3 marks]
b) Calculate the maximum horizontal distance (Sx, max) that the car reaches when it lands in the ocean (also known as the range).
[3 marks]
Sample Solution