Calculating Initial Speed of 2.7g Ball Launched at 45° with 50V Solenoid Input

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The discussion focuses on calculating the initial speed of a 2.7 g ball launched at a 45-degree angle with a solenoid input of 50V. The user initially equates voltage to potential energy, leading to a calculation that results in an unusually high speed of 192.5 m/s. Clarification arises regarding the distinction between volts and joules, with the consensus that 50V should be interpreted as 50 joules of energy. The conservation of energy principle is emphasized, noting that the energy from the solenoid converts into kinetic energy, assuming no losses. Overall, the calculation is confirmed correct under the assumption of 50 joules being input into the system.
Hooke's Law
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Homework Statement



A ball ( 2.7 g ) is launched at a 45 degree angle with a solenoid input of 50V. What is the initial speed of the ball?

Homework Equations



KE = 0.5mv^2
PE = mgh
dy = vy(0)t + 0.5at^2
dx = vx(0)t


The Attempt at a Solution



Voltage is potential energy and I think the mechanical energy is being conserved so:

PE=KE

50 J = 0.5mv^2
sqrt(50 J*2/0.0027 kg) = v
192.5 m/s = v

I believe this speed is wrong, because it is numerically huge. Can someone tell me how to do it?

Thanks
 
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I have a question for you, why did you say that 50 volt is 50 jole?
 
Hi Hooke's Law! :smile:

You are referring to a solenoid input of 50 V.

Can I assume that you meant 50 J instead of 50 V, that is, joules instead of volts?

In that case your calculation is correct.
It can be a pretty high speed due to the mass that is pretty low.

Cheers!
 
I like Serena said:
Hi Hooke's Law! :smile:

You are referring to a solenoid input of 50 V.

Can I assume that you meant 50 J instead of 50 V, that is, joules instead of volts?

In that case your calculation is correct.
It can be a pretty high speed due to the mass that is pretty low.

Cheers!

I don't get it! .. how can we make such statement?
 
thebigstar25 said:
I don't get it! .. how can we make such statement?

If you put 50 joules of energy into a solenoid, that will be converted into kinetic energy.
This is conservation of energy, where we're neglecting any energy that is converted into waste heat.

To do this you would need to set a voltage on the solenoid, generating a current for a certain time. The product of these (or rather the integral) yields the total energy invested in the solenoid.
 
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