hysics book, mass unknown, is dropped 4.50 m . What speed does the book have just before it hi ground?

To find the speed of the book just before it hits the ground after being dropped from a height of 4.50 m, we can use the equation derived from physics principles related to gravity. The formula we use is \( v = \sqrt{2gh} \), where \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²) and \( h \) is the height (4.50 m). Plugging in those values gives us \( v = \sqrt{2 \times 9.81 \, \text{m/s}² \times 4.50 \, \text{m}} \). Calculating this, we find that the speed just before impact is about 13.42 m/s. Ever wonder how this affects things in the real world? This principle isn't just for academic purposes; it’s vital for understanding everything from engineering vehicle safety systems (like how crumple zones work) to analyzing drop tests for product durability. Whether it’s a skydiving jump or a falling fruit, knowing the speed helps in ensuring safety and efficiency in design!