Finding Initial Velocity: Projectile Motion Problem

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A particle projected horizontally has initial velocity components of 2u and u m/s, landing 80m away. The horizontal motion equation gives 2u = 80/t, while the vertical motion uses s = ut + (1/2)at^2, leading to 0 = ut - 4.9t^2. Substituting time from the horizontal equation into the vertical motion equation reveals a calculation error in deriving u. The correct approach leads to the conclusion that u equals 14 m/s, confirming the initial conditions of the problem. The discussion highlights the importance of accurately substituting values in kinematic equations.
brandon26
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A particle is projected on a horizontal ground and moves freely under gravity.
The horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity are 2u and u ms^1 respectively.

The ball lands a distance 80m from the point of projection.

Show that u=14

This is what I did:

Taking motion in the horizontal plane------

2u = 80/t

Taking motion in the vertical plane-----

displacement (s) =0
acceleration (a)= -9.8
initial velocity (u) = u
time of motion (t) = t

therefore using s=ut +(1/2)at^2

I get: 4.9t=u

substituting this into the first equation should give me the correct value of u, but it doesnt. Can someone tell me where i went wrong?
:confused: :confused:
 
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0 = ut - 4.9t^2
Assuming that t is non-zero, since that is an obvious solution, t = \frac{2u}{g}, therefore, since velocity in the horzontial plane is constant, 4u^2 = 80g, then solve that
 
Why doesn't it? If u= 4.9 t, then t= u/4.9. Putting that into
2u= 80/t, 2u= (80)(4.9)/u so u2= 40(4.9). What do you think that is?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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