Calculating Initial Velocity of an Object Thrown Vertically Upward

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of initial velocity for an object thrown vertically upward, which reaches back to the ground in 10 seconds. The equations Vf = Vo + gt and s = Vot + 1/2g(t^2) are used, with the understanding that the final velocity will be equal in magnitude and opposite direction to the initial velocity. It is also mentioned that the value of g should be negative and the velocity before hitting the ground is equal to the initial velocity. The final answer for the initial velocity is calculated to be 49.05 m/s.
  • #1
bigjoe5263
19
0
I if a body is thrown vertically upward (from ground), and it reaches back to ground in 10 seconds.. then the initial velocity can be calculated by
Vf = Vo + gt.. where the final velocity Vf is equal to zero and the maximun height is given by s = Vot + 1/2g(t^2)..

Is these correct?
 
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  • #2
Yes these are these relationships are correct for this situation if your initial height is said to be 0.
 
  • #3
Your final velocity will not be zero. It should be equal in magnitude and in the opposite direction as your initial velocity.

You have a trouble in the way you have written your first equation.

[tex] V_f = V_0 + gt [/tex]

A object obeying that equation will never slow down, it will only accelerate.

Perhaps you meant

[tex] V_f = V_0 - gt [/tex]
 
  • #4
It is easier to think of it in two parts, up and then back down.
The ball moving up has a final velocity of 0 at the top of the curve.
The time to go up and back down will be identical.

You can also think in terms of energy, at the top of the curve when it is stationary all the kinetic energy becomes potential energy.
 
  • #5
thank you guys for your replies
its actually what I thought that g should be negative, and the velocity before it hits the ground is equal to the initial velocity.

so using the formula :

to calculate for the initial velocity is:

-Vo = Vo - gt... and the answer is 49.05 m/s

where t is 10 s.
 

1. How do you calculate initial velocity of an object thrown vertically upward?

The initial velocity of an object thrown vertically upward can be calculated using the formula: v0 = √(2gh), where v0 is the initial velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the object at its highest point.

2. What is the significance of calculating initial velocity of an object thrown vertically upward?

Calculating the initial velocity of an object thrown vertically upward can help determine the maximum height the object will reach, the time it takes to reach that height, and the total displacement of the object.

3. How does the mass of the object affect the initial velocity when thrown vertically upward?

The mass of the object does not affect the initial velocity when thrown vertically upward. The initial velocity is only dependent on the height and acceleration due to gravity.

4. Can initial velocity be negative when an object is thrown vertically upward?

Yes, the initial velocity can be negative when an object is thrown vertically upward. This indicates that the object is moving in the opposite direction of the upward direction, which is typically towards the ground.

5. How do you convert initial velocity from meters per second to kilometers per hour?

To convert initial velocity from meters per second to kilometers per hour, you can use the conversion factor of 3.6. Simply multiply the initial velocity in meters per second by 3.6 to get the velocity in kilometers per hour.

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