Catapult final (impact) velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the impact velocity of a projectile launched from a catapult, specifically addressing the horizontal and vertical components of velocity. The user understands that the initial horizontal velocity remains constant, while the vertical component needs to be determined. To find the vertical velocity at impact, the user can utilize kinematic equations and the symmetry of projectile motion, knowing that the time to reach the highest point is half of the total flight time. The Pythagorean theorem is then applied to combine the horizontal and vertical components to find the resultant impact velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Knowledge of Pythagorean theorem
  • Basic algebra skills for calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study kinematic equations for vertical motion in detail
  • Learn about the effects of gravity on projectile motion
  • Explore the concept of trajectory symmetry in projectile motion
  • Practice calculating resultant velocities using the Pythagorean theorem
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering courses, educators teaching projectile motion, and hobbyists working on catapult or projectile design projects.

Havenater23
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Homework Statement



I'm doing a catapult project and I have to calculate a few pieces of information.
The initial velocity of the release (horizontal and vertical components) , the time of the highest point, and velocity of impact of the object.

I know how to do all of these except find the velocity impact of the object. This is all on a horizontal plane, and I know the X initial horizontal velocity will stay the same, but how do I figure out the y initial vertical velocity?

I know that if I find those two components at the end, I can use Pythagoras to solve it.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Thanks, in advance
 
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If you know the total time a projectile is in the air, you can figure out how long it took to get to the top of it's trajectory (it's highest point) by just dividing by 2. [The projectile will take the same amount of time going up as down]. Then just solve for v_0 by using kinematic equations.
 

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