While flying horizontally at a speed of 5.0 m/s, an owl accidentally drops a mouse it is carrying. The mouse drops to the ground, 10.0 m below. What is the impact velocity with which the mouse hits the ground?
A)14.9 m/s, at angle of 70.35 degrees below the horizontal
B)14.9 m/s, at angle of 70.35 degrees above the horizontal
C)20.0 m/s, at angle of 70.35 degrees below the horizontal
D)20.0 m/s, at angle of 70.35 degrees above the horizontal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The impact velocity can be found by combining the horizontal velocity (5.0 m/s) with the vertical velocity acquired due to gravity. Using the formula $v = \sqrt{v_x^2 + v_y^2}$ where $v_x = 5.0$ m/s and $v_y = \sqrt{2gh}$ (with $g = 9.8$ m/s$^2$ and $h = 10.0$ m), we find the magnitude of the velocity. The angle $\theta$ can be found using $\tan(\theta) = \frac{v_y}{v_x}$. The calculations give a velocity of approximately 14.9 m/s at an angle of 70.35 degrees below the horizontal.

While Flying Horizontally at a Speed of 5