Understanding the Physics
* Free Fall: We're assuming the book is falling freely, meaning only gravity is acting on it.
* Acceleration due to Gravity: The acceleration due to gravity (g) is approximately 9.8 m/s². This means the book's velocity increases by 9.8 meters per second every second it falls.
The Formula
We can use the following kinematic equation to find the final velocity (v) of the book:
* v = u + at
Where:
* v = final velocity
* u = initial velocity
* a = acceleration (in this case, acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.8 m/s²)
* t = time (2 seconds)
Scenario 1: Book Starts from Rest (u = 0)
If the book starts from rest, then:
* v = 0 + (9.8 m/s²)(2 s)
* v = 19.6 m/s
Scenario 2: Book has an Initial Velocity (u ≠ 0)
If the book had an initial velocity (e.g., it was thrown downward), you would need to know that initial velocity (u) to calculate the final velocity.
Example: If the book was thrown downward with an initial velocity of 5 m/s, then:
* v = 5 m/s + (9.8 m/s²)(2 s)
* v = 24.6 m/s
In Conclusion:
The velocity of the book after 2 seconds depends on its initial velocity. If it starts from rest, its velocity will be 19.6 m/s after 2 seconds. If it has an initial velocity, you'll need to know that value to calculate the final velocity.
