Calculate Velocity to Reach Target: Sx=15000m, Sy=400m

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To calculate the initial velocity of a shell fired at a 60-degree angle to reach a target at Sx=15000m and Sy=400m, the equations of motion must be applied correctly. The horizontal motion equation is Sx=V cos(60) t, while the vertical motion equation should include both the gravitational acceleration and the correct vertical velocity components. The initial vertical velocity component must be V sin(60) instead of V sin(30), and the time variable t must be correctly incorporated in the vertical motion equation. A common mistake noted in the discussion is using the wrong square root or misapplying trigonometric functions. Properly adjusting these elements will lead to the correct calculation of the initial velocity needed to hit the target.
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[SOLVED] Calculating Velocity

A shell is fired at an elevation of 60degrees from horizontal, it needs to reach a target
Sx=15000m, Sy = 400m. What is the initial velocity of the shell?


So far I have done this...
Ax=0 Ay=-g
Vx=V cos 60 Vy=-gt+V sin 30
Sx=V cos 60 t Sy=((-gt^2)/2)+sin 30


I've tried to work from here (using Sx to find t=15000/Vcos60, then substitute that into Sy formula) but I've been getting a negative number which can't be right.
Could someone show me the working or give me any help at all?
 
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Your equations are correct (except for a missing V in Sy=.

Your methodology should work as-well, you must be getting a negative from taking the wrong square root, or something about the trig functions.
 
Thanks Izkelley
So I've done this...
400= (-9.8/2)(15000/Vcos60)+Vsin30

Is that the correct?
 
The initial vertical velocity component is not Vsin30.

Sy=1/2at^2+ut. So the second term on the right hand side of your equation should be multiplied by t and you need to square t in the first term.
 
damn yeah, sorry.
the sin30's should be sin60 also (same angle opposite trig function) or cos30's (same trig function opposite angle --- sin30 = cos60, sin60=cos30 ).
and not only is Sy missing a V, its missing a t i.e.
Sy=((-gt^2)/2)+V*t*cos30
 
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