Finding Velocity Components Without Angle Information

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The discussion revolves around calculating velocity components without angle information using conservation of energy principles. Participants clarify the use of gravitational potential energy (Ep) and kinetic energy (Ek) at different points in the motion, emphasizing the importance of selecting an appropriate reference height. Initial calculations indicate confusion regarding energy conservation, particularly when determining total energy at various heights. The consensus is that when using the ground as a reference point, both kinetic and potential energy must be considered to find the correct values. Ultimately, the correct approach leads to a resolution of energy calculations, confirming the energy conservation principle.
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Homework Statement


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I thought maybe try and find the initial x/y components of the velocity but you can't find any angles, maybe the y component is found by intitial velocity is 0 at the top and it falls 4 metres? But the 4 metres above is not the max height. How do you do this?Thank you.
 
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Use conservation of energy. Use the top of the 15m as the reference line.
 
rock.freak667 said:
Use conservation of energy. Use the top of the 15m as the reference line.

So at "point p" Ep = 9.8x1.2x19=223J
at the start Ek= .5x1.2x16^2 = 153 ? Ep = 0

so E_total = Ep+ek

153= 223+Ek
Ek = - 70 ? What am I doing wrong?
 
I know if I do etotal as Ek = 176 and Ep = 15x9.8x1.2 = 176
Etotal = 329

so at point p

329=223+ek
ek=106

which when rounded is 1.1x10^2 J which is the right answer, but in the reference frame where the ball starts there is no ep because its on the ground? right?
 
brentwoodbc said:
I know if I do etotal as Ek = 176 and Ep = 15x9.8x1.2 = 176
Etotal = 329

so at point p

329=223+ek
ek=106

which when rounded is 1.1x10^2 J which is the right answer, but in the reference frame where the ball starts there is no ep because its on the ground? right?

yes at that point Ep=0
 
brentwoodbc said:
So at "point p" Ep = 9.8x1.2x19=223J
at the start Ek= .5x1.2x16^2 = 153 ? Ep = 0

so E_total = Ep+ek

153= 223+Ek
Ek = - 70 ? What am I doing wrong?
hmm...
then what's wrong here?
 
Last edited:
brentwoodbc said:
hmm...
then what's wrong here?

Sorry there I though you choose the ground where the ball was a the reference point.

At point P, if the height is 19m, then you are choosing the actual ground (15m below the ball) as the reference line.

So the initial energy would be the kinetic energy AND gravitational potential energy (the ball is 15m above the reference point initially then)
 
is it just total ek at start = 153
and it loses a certain amount to ep ...ep= 4x9.8x1.2 = 47
Et=ek+ep
153=ek+47
153-47=106

Ek =106joules I think.
 
brentwoodbc said:
is it just total ek at start = 153
and it loses a certain amount to ep ...ep= 4x9.8x1.2 = 47
Et=ek+ep
153=ek+47
153-47=106

Ek =106joules I think.

If you are taking the lowest level as the reference line, then initially

Ei=mgh1+1/2mu2

E_i=(1.2)(9.81)(15)+\frac{1}{2}(1.2)(16)^2

And then at point P, Ei=mgh2+Ek.
 
  • #10
rock.freak667 said:
If you are taking the lowest level as the reference line, then initially

Ei=mgh1+1/2mu2

E_i=(1.2)(9.81)(15)+\frac{1}{2}(1.2)(16)^2

And then at point P, Ei=mgh2+Ek.

thank you
 
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