Solving Velocity Problems: Initial Velocity 80 m/s

  • Thread starter Thread starter sb_4000
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Velocity
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving projectile motion, specifically analyzing the motion of a ball thrown upward with an initial velocity of 80 m/s. Participants are exploring various aspects of the problem, including time of flight, maximum height, and specific conditions during the ball's trajectory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve for the time the ball is in the air and its maximum height, while expressing uncertainty about the calculations for when the ball is 20m above the ground and its velocity upon hitting the ground. Some participants question the correctness of the original poster's approach to parts c) and d), while others provide kinematic equations and suggest reviewing their application.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the problem with some participants providing guidance on the use of kinematic equations and suggesting a graphical approach to better understand the ball's motion. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed, particularly regarding the calculations for parts c) and d).

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of applying kinematic equations correctly, including the importance of sign conventions and the need for clarity on initial conditions. There is a recognition of potential confusion in the setup of the problem, particularly for parts c) and d).

sb_4000
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
Hi,

Im having a problem solving one part of a question..

1) A ball is thrown upward with the initial velocity of 80 m/s.
a- How long is the ball in the air? 16.33s
b- What is the greatest height reached by the ball? 326.26m
c- when is the ball 20m above the ground?
I think I am doing this wrong, but I put 20 = v_0*t, 20/V_0 = t and i get 0.25s
d- what is the velocity of the ball, when it hits the ground?
On this one I am totally lost, but I managed to get sqrt(2g+v^2+h) which I know is wrong.

I think a and b are correct but I am not so sure about the c and d, If you can read over it and see if it right I would appreciate it..

Thank You.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Both c) and d) is wrong; how did you get a) and b)?
 
for a) v=v_0 + at, t =2(v_0-V)/g = 16.33s Thats how I got a.

for b) h = v^2/2g = (80 m/s)^2/2(9.8)= 326 m

but I don't know how to get c or d
 
Hi

If you're having trouble doing this, you might want to consider reviewing the familiar kinematic equations:

[tex]v = v_{0} + at[/tex]
[tex]v^2 = v_{0}^2 + 2a(S-S_{0})[/tex]
[tex]S = S_{0} + v_{0}t + \frac{1}{2}at^2[/tex]

More importantly you will want to know when to apply which and/or the signs to be used. Chose a particular direction as positive and prefix the sign accordingly. For part (c), S = y = 20m, S_{0} = 0 and v_{0} = 80 m/s.

Secondly you should draw a graph for velocity vs time and 'integrate it' to get the displacement/time profile. The zero crossings and horizontal slopes (extrema points) will gave you a fair idea of the motion of the ball. After you're comfortable you can switch back to a purely algebraic approach to solve such problems though graphically they are easier to analyze.

Hope that helps...

Cheers
Vivek
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K