Find its maximum height and initial velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a linear motion problem involving a pistol pellet fired vertically upwards, which lands back at its firing point after 8 seconds. The correct formulas used are s = u.t + 0.5.a.t² and v = u + a.t, with gravity (g) set at 9.81 m/s². The maximum height calculated is 78.5 meters, and the initial velocity is determined to be 39.2 m/s. The time to reach maximum height is 4 seconds, as the total time of flight is 8 seconds.

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  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.81 m/s²)
  • Familiarity with concepts of vertical motion
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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wolfson_1123
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Hello i have been able to do 7 out of 8 question on my linear motion questions, but this last question number 8, is proving difficult. I don't know whether the tutor has made a mistake (as the answers are typed at the bottom) so if you could be of help i would be very glad ty.

I am using s = u.t + 0.5.a.t^2

and v = U + a.t

but neither bring up the correct answers:

8. A pistol pellet is fired vertically upwards and lands back at its firing point
8 seconds later. Neglecting air resistance, and assuming the acceleration due to gravity is g = 9.81 m/s2 downwards ! find its maximum height and initial velocity.
[answers: 78.5 m , 39.2 m/s]

Ty every so much :-)
 
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Welcome to PF :biggrin:
The bullet starts with velocity v,slows down due to gravity,and attains v=0 at max height.Then it picks up speed(due to gravity) and reaches down with total velocity v.
So time taken to attain v=0 is 8/2=4s.
I plugged this into the eqn and got the given answer.
Similarly,height reached is when velocity becomes 0,I got the given answer with the eqn you gave.
I think you tried t=8s.I hope you understood.
regards
 
Last edited:

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