Find Initial Velocity Formula | 30.0m Height

AI Thread Summary
To find the initial velocity of an object thrown vertically to a height of 30.0 m, the appropriate equation of motion is v² = u² + 2as, where v is the final velocity (0 m/s at maximum height), a is the acceleration (-9.81 m/s²), and s is the displacement (30.0 m). Rearranging the equation gives u² = -2as, leading to u = √(2 * 9.81 m/s² * 30.0 m). The calculation results in an initial velocity of approximately 24.3 m/s. Understanding that the object stops momentarily at the peak height is crucial for applying this formula correctly.
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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