Using Quadratic Models in Real Life
Vertical Motion Models
We studied the model for the height of a falling object that is dropped. For an object that is thrown down or up, the model has an extra term to take into account, the initial velocity. Problems involving these two models are called vertical motion problems.
OBJECT IS DROPPED:
OBJECT IS THROWN:
h = height (feet) t = time in motion (seconds)
s = initial height (feet) v = initial velocity (feet per second)
In these models the coefficient of is one half the acceleration due to gravity. On the surface of Earth, this acceleration is approximately 32 feet per second per second.
Remember that velocity v can be positive (for an object moving up), negative (for object moving down), or zero (for an object that is not moving). Speed is the absolute value of velocity.