Energy conservation with a projectile -

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a 2.0 kg projectile fired with specific initial velocity components. For part A, the kinetic energy at the highest point in the trajectory is not zero because while the vertical component of velocity is zero, the horizontal component remains, resulting in a kinetic energy of 900 J. Part B requires understanding that the work done in firing the projectile equals its initial kinetic energy, as it starts from rest. The key takeaway is that the projectile retains horizontal kinetic energy at its peak height despite having zero vertical velocity. Clarifying these concepts is essential for solving the problem correctly.
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Energy conservation with a projectile -- please help!

Homework Statement



A 2.0 kg projectile is fired with initial velocity components Vox= 30 m/n and Voy = 40 m/s from a point on the Earth's surface. Neglect all effects due to air resistance.

A) What is the kinetic energy of the projectile when it reaches the highest point in its trajectory?
B) How much work was done in firing the projectile?

Homework Equations


W=Fx
KE= 1/2mv^2
PE= mgh
W=KE

The Attempt at a Solution



To find the initial velocity, I took the components and did the math as thought it is a right triangle and got 50 m/s. What I don't understand about part A is that when the projectile is at the maximum height, it's only there for an instant and the velocity id zero, which should make the KE zero also correct?

but the answer is apparently 900J

I don't know how to find the highest point of the projectile's path, nor part B

help please?
 
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Are you sure the velocity is zero? Or could that only be the y component of the velocity?
If there is no acceleration velocity does not change. In this example there is no x acceleration.

Using this information gives the correct answer.

Part B, consider that it was fired from rest. The instant it's fired is when it's kinetic energy is maximum. At this point all of its energy is kinetic, use:

E_k = W
 
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