A water balloon is thrown horizontally from a tower that is 45 m high. It strikes the shoes of an unsuspecting passerby who is 45 meters east of the tower. With what magnitude was the balloon's horizontal velocity?

14.85 m/s

Explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Height (h) of tower = 45 m

Horizontal distance (s) moved by the balloon = 45 m

Horizontal velocity (u) =?

Next, we shall determine the time taken for the balloon to hit the shoe of the passerby. This is illustrated below:

Height (h) of tower = 45 m

Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8 m/s²

Time (t) =?

h = ½gt²

45 = ½ × 9.8 × t²

45 = 4.8 × t²

Divide both side by 4.9

t² = 45/4.9

Take the square root of both side

t = √(45/4.9)

t = 3.03 s

Finally, we shall determine the magnitude of the horizontal velocity of the balloon as shown below:

Horizontal distance (s) moved by the balloon = 45 m

Time (t) = 3.03 s

Horizontal velocity (u) =?

s = ut

45 = u × 3.03

Divide both side by 3.03

u = 45/3.03

u = 14.85 m/s

Thus, the magnitude of the horizontal velocity of the balloon was 14.85 m/s

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