A hot-air balloon is rising upward with a constant speed of 2.27 m/s. When the balloon is 9.14 m above the ground, the balloonist accidentally drops a compass over the side of the balloon. How much time elapses before the compass hits the ground?
I solve for the quadratic and get a negative?
h = Vo*t + 0.5g*t^2 = 9.14 m.
-2.27t + 4.9*t^2 = 9.14
4.9t^2 - 2.27t = 9.14
4.9t^2 - 2.27t - 9.14 = 0
t = 1.617 s.
(Use Quad. Formula)
NOTE: The initial velocity is negative,
because its' movement is in a direction
opposite to the falling object.