Finding the Velocity of a Cart at its Highest Point

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the velocity of a cart at its highest point in a two-dimensional motion scenario, specifically focusing on the acceleration and initial velocity components in the x and y directions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the y-component of velocity being zero at the highest point and explore the relationship between the x and y components of motion. Some suggest treating the x and y motions independently as one-dimensional problems.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the reasoning behind the conditions at the highest point of the trajectory. Some participants have offered guidance on using kinematic equations, while others express confusion about the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of needing to refer to equations of motion and the potential for misunderstanding the conditions at the highest point, particularly regarding the y-component of velocity.

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A cart is propelled over an xy plane with acceleration components ax=4.0m/s^2 and ay= -2.0m/s^2 . Its initial velocity has components Vix=8.0m/s and Viy12 m/s. In unit-vector notation, what is the velocity of the cart when it reaches its greatest y coordinate?



im confused on how to get this going. Since the cart is at its highest point the velocity in the y direction is 0. could some one help me with the next step of this thanks
 
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So you know that,

v_y = f(t) = 0

at your highest point.
Well you should also know that v_x = f(t) where "t" is the same as the "t" for your y position.

Does that help?
 
Last edited:
no I am still confused
 
Ok, you already have the necessary x and y components, so you can treat each one like a one dimensional problem right?
Do you know the equations for position/velocity/acceleration as functions of time? If not check out the formulas in in the sticky thread and go back over your textbook.
Once you have the equation for velocity as a function of time, you only need to solve for time using your knowledge that the y-component velocity equals zero at the needed time. with this value of t you can calculate the x-component velocity.
 
thanks
 
i think i have the answer i was just wondering if someone could tell me if i am right.

I used the eqn V = Vi + at
because the y velocity at the highest point is zero i used that for V
-12 for Vi
-2.0 for a

and got time = 6 seconds.

then i used the same eqn with this time = to 6 seconds and used 4.0 for a and 8.0 for Vi. All the horizontal inforamtion. I got 32 m/s for an answer.

so in unit vector notation the answer would be 32i +0j = V
 
Please, would someone explain me how do you know that at its highest point the velocity of the cart is 0 in its y coordinate. Well, i am trying to figure out how do the problem, as it seems easy, but it really isn't. I would really appreciate someone explaining it. Please reply.
 

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