chiefthe

Read the book, then you'll get it.

Clarke wrote the book while he was working on the script with Kubrick. I think they are both better when viewed as companions to eachother.

One of my favorite stories, but I too find it hard to stay awake during the symphony portion.

chiefthe

My job.

chiefthe

It's awesome that you guys are looking forward to the blasters.

Sorry I couldn't be there to see your reactions. I am sure they were priceless.

chiefthe

Unfortunately, there is really no way to tell. It will be whatever they happen to have in stock in the warehouse, so it may be older darts or newer ones.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

chiefthe

Ah! But you accelleration is known--it is actually a decelleration due to gravity. That said:

The time it takes something to fall from a given height (h) when its initial angle is 0 degrees can be derived from the y equation (you can derive it yourself for other angles, zero is just the one I don't have to look up):

y=(v_0 sin (theta))t -0.5(g)(t)^2+h

y=0-0.5(g)(t^2)+h

set y=0 to see when it hits the floor:

t_floor=sqrt(h/(0.5g))

Using a little calculus magic, the velocity equations are:

v_x=v_0

(remember, no drag, so there is no opposing force slowing the x-velocity, so it has the same velocity it started out with---this equation is only for the zero degree case, for the general case: v_x=(v_0 cos(theta)) )

v_y=-(g)(t)

(negitive because the vector is pointing down---this equation is only for the zero degree case, for the general case: v_y=(v_0 sin(theta))-(g)(t) )

So, going back to vector algebra:

v=sqrt(v_x^2 + v_y^2)

If you want to solve for v_f, then plug t_floor from above into the v_y equation, then use the resulting v_x and v_y to put into the v equation above.

LOTR434, I hope I'm not doing your homework... ;)

chiefthe