Find Initial Velocity Formula | 30.0m Height

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the initial velocity of an object thrown vertically to a height of 30.0 meters, using the kinematic equation v² = u² + 2as. Participants clarify that at maximum height, the final velocity (v) is 0 m/s, and acceleration (a) is -9.81 m/s² due to gravity. By substituting these values into the equation, the initial velocity (u) can be determined by rearranging to u² = 2as and taking the square root. The final formula for initial velocity is u = √(2 * 30.0 m * 9.81 m/s²).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically v² = u² + 2as
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.81 m/s²)
  • Basic algebra for rearranging equations and solving for variables
  • Familiarity with concepts of displacement and velocity in physics
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  • Study the derivation and applications of kinematic equations in physics
  • Learn about projectile motion and its equations
  • Explore real-world examples of vertical motion and initial velocity calculations
  • Investigate the effects of air resistance on projectile motion
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Brittykitty
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What formula would I use to find the initial velocity?

An object is thrown vertically into the air and reaches a height of 30.0 m. Neglecting air friction, what was the object’s initial velocity?

I don't quite remember how to do this. Is it 30.0m / 9.81[m/s]^2?
 
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There are mainly three equations of motion

s= ut+\frac{1}{2}at^2

v=u+at

v^2=u^2+2as

u= initial velocity
v= final velocity
s= displacement.

Which one has all of the information you need in it? (note: a is acceleration, which is just 'g' in your case)
 
Hello :)
I'm not given the time so I'm assuming its v^2=u^2+2as ?
 
Brittykitty said:
Hello :)
I'm not given the time so I'm assuming its v^2=u^2+2as ?

Yes, also since the maximum height is given you have the final velocity.
 
Thank you! :)
one more question, how would I find the initial velocity? Would it be 0? or 9.81[m/s]^2? don't remember that part either :\
 
Brittykitty said:
Thank you! :)
one more question, how would I find the initial velocity? Would it be 0? or 9.81[m/s]^2? don't remember that part either :\

Remember m/s2 are the units for acceleration, so in your equation, your acceleration is -9.81.

At the maximum height, the object stops rising. So the final velocity is?

When you understand these two things, using the equation you told me it would be v2=u2+2as, you can can find 'u'.
 
rock.freak667 said:
Remember m/s2 are the units for acceleration, so in your equation, your acceleration is -9.81.

At the maximum height, the object stops rising. So the final velocity is?

When you understand these two things, using the equation you told me it would be v2=u2+2as, you can can find 'u'.


the final velocity would be (30.0m) (-9.81)?
 
Brittykitty said:
the final velocity would be (30.0m) (-9.81)?

no, remember the object's goes up, reaches the maximum height and then moves back down to Earth. So during this, the velocity goes from +ve to 'something' (at max) and then -ve as it moves back down to Earth. What is the 'something' ?
 
displacement? :\
 
  • #10
Brittykitty said:
displacement? :\

no no, I am trying to get you to understand what the final velocity is at the maximum height.

Say you throw something up in the air. It does not continuously move upwards, eventually it fall back down, for it to change direction, what must it instantaneously do?


For a similar analogy, say you are driving forwards, for you to move backwards, what should happen to your forward velocity before you start to move backwards?
 
  • #11
It would decrease velocity? =)
 
  • #12
Brittykitty said:
It would decrease velocity? =)

Right yes, as it moves up, it decrease velocity until it reaches what at the max height?

(Because for it to change direction, it needs to stop moving up and then start moving down)
 
  • #13
final velocity?
 
  • #14
Brittykitty said:
final velocity?

If at the maximum height the object instantaneously stops, the final velocity is?
 
  • #15
0? :)
 
  • #16
Brittykitty said:
0? :)

Right! So v=0

v2=u2+2as

v=0
u2+2as = 0


(remember 'a' is negative)
 
  • #17
Thanks! :)
So..
a=-9.81m/s
s=30.0m
v=0
u2??

How would I find the initial velocity now?
 
  • #18
30*-9.81?
 
  • #19
Brittykitty said:
Thanks! :)
So..
a=-9.81m/s
s=30.0m
v=0
u2??

How would I find the initial velocity now?

Brittykitty said:
30*-9.81?

u2-2as=0

rearrange for u2 and then take the square root of both sides.
 

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