The distance to the surface of the water in a well can sometimes be found by dropping

Question:

The distance to the surface of the water in a well can sometimes be found by dropping an object into the well and measuring the time elapsed until a sound is heard. If t1 is the time (measured in seconds) that it takes for the object to strike the water, then t1 will obey the equation s = 16t12, where s is the distance (measured in feet). It follows thatimage

where s is the distance (measured in feet). It follows thatimage

Suppose that tis the time that it takes for the sound of the impact to reach your ears. Because sound travels at a speed of approximately 1100 feet per second, the time t2 for the sound to travel theimage

distance s will beimage

See the illustration. Now t1 + t2 is the total time that elapses from the moment that the object is dropped to the moment that a sound is heard. We have the equationimage

Find the distance to the water’s surface if the total time elapsed from dropping a rock to hearing it hit water is 2.86 seconds.

Fantastic news! We've Found the answer you've been seeking!

Step by Step Answer:

Question Posted: