[illGeno]

A diver jumps vertically with a velocity of 4.0m/s from a platform and enters the water 1. seconds later. If she falls with an acceleration due to gravity of 9.8 m/s^2, what is her final velocity?

[DoctorK]

Vf= Final Velocity ?
Vo= Original Velocity 4 m/s
a= Acceleration 9,8 m/s^2
t= Time 1 s

Vf=Vo+a(t) 13,8 m/s

[Capuchin]

Vf= Final Velocity ?
Vo= Original Velocity 4 m/s
a= Acceleration 9,8 m/s^2
t= Time 1 s

Vf=Vo+a(t) 13,8 m/s

I believe the question requires v0 to be set as -4m/s, not +4m/s.

[DoctorK]

I believe the question requires v0 to be set as -4m/s, not +4m/s.

As the question states "A diver jumps vertically" I assumed the diver jumped DOWN in which case the original value is correct, and V0= +4.

If the diver jumps UPWARDS, then your appreciation is correct, and V0= -4.

[asterisk_man]

DoctorK, please demonstrate how to jump down. I'd love to see it. :)

[Capuchin]

DoctorK, please demonstrate how to jump down. I'd love to see it. :)

Had to spread the rep, but this is exactly the point I was trying to make (albeit subtly). Plugging numbers into an equation is fine and dandy, but not at the cost of common sense. :)