Help With finding initial vertical speed

AI Thread Summary
To find the initial vertical speed of a ball thrown upwards, the final velocity at maximum height is zero. Using the equation Vfinal squared = velocity initial squared + 2g times change in y, where g is -9.8 m/s² and the height is 7.2 m, the equation simplifies to 0 = Vi² - 141.12. Rearranging gives Vi² = 141.12, leading to an initial vertical speed of approximately 11.88 m/s when rounded to three significant figures. Basic algebra is required to isolate Vi and calculate the square root.
mithilsheth
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Homework Statement



A Ball is thrown upwards. What is its initial vertical speed? The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 and maximum height is 7.2 m ,. Neglect air resistance.


Homework Equations



Vfinal squared = velocity initial squared + 2g times change in y

The Attempt at a Solution



velocity final squared = velocity initial squared + 2 (-9.8)(7.2)
VF^2= VI^2 + -141.12
what now?/
 
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What's the final velocity? (When it reaches the max height.)
 
the final velocity is not given. all that is given is v0, max height is 7.2 meters, and that the acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s/s/.
 
is the finaly velocity 0?
 
mithilsheth said:
is the finaly velocity 0?
Of course. :wink:
 
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ohh ok... so would i use the same formula i used above to find the initial vertical speed?
 
what equation should i use to calculate the initial vertical speed?
 
mithilsheth said:
ohh ok... so would i use the same formula i used above to find the initial vertical speed?
Just use that equation you started with and solve for the initial speed.
 
how do i set it to be that velocity initial squared is on the left side of the equal sign, and velocity final squared is on on the right side?
 
  • #10
mithilsheth said:
how do i set it to be that velocity initial squared is on the left side of the equal sign, and velocity final squared is on on the right side?
The final velocity is zero, so your equation becomes:

0 = Vi2 - 141.12

So how to get Vi2 alone? How can you get rid of that - 141.12?
 
  • #11
you add 141.12 to the 0 and then find square root of 141.12?
 
  • #12
mithilsheth said:
you add 141.12 to the 0 and then find square root of 141.12?
Sure! Basic algebra.
 
  • #13
so the initial vertical speed would be 11.8793939239 m/s ?
 
  • #14
mithilsheth said:
so the initial vertical speed would be 11.8793939239 m/s ?
Yes. But please round off to a reasonable number of significant figures. (2 or 3 is plenty.)
 
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  • #15
ok, i have one more question i need help with...
 
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