Another projectile motion problem.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the maximum height of a spring toy launched at 2.3 m/s at an angle of 78° using projectile motion equations. The vertical component of the initial velocity is determined as 2.3sin(78°), leading to a calculated time of flight of approximately 0.5 seconds. The user encounters issues with obtaining a negative vertical distance, indicating a misunderstanding in applying the kinematic equations. The correct vertical distance traveled by the spring toy is approximately 0.26 meters, derived from the equation D = v0t + 1/2 at2.

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Homework Statement


A spring toy is launched from the ground at 2.3 m/s at an angle of 78° to the ground. What is the maximum height reached by the spring toy?

Homework Equations


Vv = vertical velocity, V1 = initial velocity, Dv = vertical distance.
Δt = 2V1Sinθ/(acceleration)
ΔDv = VvΔt + 1/2(acceleration)(Δt^2)
Vv = V1Sinθ

The Attempt at a Solution


First I find the time, since I am given the initial velocity and the launch angle. I get a value of 0.5 seconds. Then I find the vertical velocity by using the equation above, and get about 2.24 m/s. Finally, I use all the information I calculated to find the vertical distance traveled by spring toy, and yield a negative value. What am I doing wrong? I am completely stumped as I haven't been taught any new equations to find the vertical distance. Thanks for all the help!
 
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http://zonalandeducation.com/mstm/physics/mechanics/curvedMotion/projectileMotion/generalSolution/generalSolution.html"

The vertical component of the initial velocity is 2.3sin(78^{\circ}).
V_{f} = v_{0} + at
t = \frac{V_{f} - v_{0}}{a} = \frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81}.

D = v_{0}t + \frac{1}{2} at^{2} = (2.3sin(78^{\circ}))(\frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81}) + \frac{1}{2}(-9.81)(\frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81})^2 \approx .26 meters.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
dmouthfan2028 said:
http://zonalandeducation.com/mstm/physics/mechanics/curvedMotion/projectileMotion/generalSolution/generalSolution.html"

The vertical component of the initial velocity is 2.3sin(78^{\circ}).
V_{f} = v_{0} + at
t = \frac{V_{f} - v_{0}}{a} = \frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81}.

D = v_{0}t + \frac{1}{2} at^{2} = (2.3sin(78^{\circ}))(\frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81}) + \frac{1}{2}(-9.81)(\frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81})^2 \approx .26 m
I used the formula and still get the same negative value.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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