Projectile Velocity: Vx & Accel at Highest Point?

  • Thread starter DJW
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In summary, when a projectile reaches its highest point, the velocity of the projectile's y component is 0 while the x component remains unchanged. The projectile will also experience a constant acceleration due to gravity. As a result, the velocity of the projectile at its highest point will be equal to the initial x velocity.
  • #1
DJW
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Hey, I had a basic conception question about projectile velocity. When a projectile reaches its highest point, does the velocity of the projectile equal 0 or does it equal the initial x velocity? I know that Vy=0 at the highest point of a projectile's trajectory, but I'm not sure about the other component(s). Does this also go for the acceleration of the projectile?
 
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  • #2
When a projectile reaches its highest point you are correct in that its y component of velocity is zero. The x component however is unchanged. A projectile will be subject to a constant acceleration due to gravity.
 
  • #3
Does that mean that the velocity of a projectile at the highest point of its trajectory will be whatever the initial X velocity is?
 
  • #4
Yes. The acceleration is always constant.
 
  • #5
Thanks.
 

1. What is projectile velocity?

Projectile velocity is the speed at which an object is moving in a specific direction. It is typically measured in meters per second (m/s) or feet per second (ft/s).

2. How is projectile velocity calculated?

Projectile velocity can be calculated by dividing the distance an object travels in a specific amount of time by that time. In other words, it is the change in position over time.

3. What is Vx in projectile velocity?

Vx, or the horizontal component of velocity, refers to the speed of the object in the x-axis or horizontal direction. It is typically measured in m/s or ft/s.

4. What is acceleration at the highest point of a projectile's trajectory?

At the highest point of a projectile's trajectory, the acceleration is equal to zero. This is because the object has reached its peak and is about to start falling back down due to the force of gravity.

5. How does the angle of projection affect projectile velocity?

The angle of projection can affect the projectile velocity in terms of its horizontal and vertical components. The higher the angle, the greater the vertical component and the lower the horizontal component. This means that the object will travel a shorter horizontal distance but reach a greater height.

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