Find its maximum height and initial velocity

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem involving a pistol pellet fired vertically upwards. The user struggles with finding the maximum height and initial velocity, using the equations of motion but not arriving at the correct answers. The solution involves recognizing that the total time of flight is 8 seconds, meaning the time to reach maximum height is 4 seconds. By applying the equations correctly with this time, the maximum height of 78.5 meters and initial velocity of 39.2 m/s can be calculated. Clarification on the time variable is crucial for solving the problem accurately.
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
 
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