To find the horizontal distance from the base of the cliff to where the ball strikes the ground, we need to determine the time of flight of the ball. We can use the equation of motion in the vertical direction to find the time it takes for the ball to reach the ground.
The equation for the vertical motion of the ball is given by: h = ut + (1/2)gt^2
Where: h = height (vertical distance) u = initial vertical velocity t = time of flight g = acceleration due to gravity (-9.8 m/s^2)
We know that the initial vertical velocity (u) is zero because the ball is thrown horizontally. The height (h) is 119 meters, and we need to solve for the time of flight (t).
Using the equation: 119 = 0*t + (1/2)(-9.8)t^2
Simplifying the equation: 119 = -4.9t^2
Rearranging the equation: 4.9t^2 = -119
Dividing both sides by 4.9: t^2 = -119 / 4.9
Taking the square root of both sides: t = sqrt(-119 / 4.9)
Since we cannot take the square root of a negative value, it indicates that there is no real solution for the time in this equation. This means that the ball does not strike the ground when thrown horizontally from a cliff.
Please note that this is an idealized scenario without considering air resistance. In reality, air resistance would affect the motion of the ball and it would eventually strike the ground at a certain distance from the base of the cliff.