How Do You Calculate Initial Vertical Velocity?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the initial vertical velocity of a projectile launched from a catapult, the relevant equation is vf^2 = Vo^2 + 2ay, where vf is the final velocity, Vo is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²), and y is the height (1 m). The final velocity at the peak of the launch is 0 m/s, allowing the calculation of Vo. By substituting the known values, Vo is determined to be 4.43 m/s. The discussion clarifies that the initial vertical velocity is 4.43 m/s, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context of the projectile's motion.
jubbly
Messages
22
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Distance - 5m
height 1m

Homework Equations


vf^2=Vo^2+2ay

The Attempt at a Solution



I know vf^2 = 0, and I'm trying to find vo^2, and I also know y is the height so that would be 1m, is a 9.8?

If It is I would get this 0=vo^2+19.6. and to find vo^2 I would take the square root of 19.6 and get 4.43.

So my Vo = 4.43,
what equation would I plug to find the vertical velocity?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The question would be nice, not just two values.

What's this distance? Are we talking a ballistic trajectory question?

Jared
 
jarednjames said:
The question would be nice, not just two values.

What's this distance? Are we talking a ballistic trajectory question?

Jared

Oh, sorry!
Find the vertical velocity of a projectile launched from a catapult. The projectile landed 5 meters from the catapult and went up in the air 1 meter.
 
Ok, which vertical velocity?

I'd assume it's the final velocity on impact.

As such, using vf2 = Vo2 + 2ay

You know Vo = 0 (it's at the peak of the launch and so it has stopped moving vertically), a = 9.81 and y = 1.

This will give you the final velocity vertically at impact. Can you take it from there?

Jared
 
So Vo=4.43, and would I need to find the time?
At this part I'm confused as to what to do to find the vertical velocity.
Is there a formula I would have to use to find it?
 
I gave you Vo in my previous post. That is the initial velocity - at the peak height (before the fall begins) Vo = 0m/s.

Vf is the final velocity. You literally plug the values into the equation to get the answer.

Why would you need the time or is this part of the question?

Jared
 
Ah I see, you want the initial velocity on launch.

In which case the vertical velocity is 4.43m/s.

Just replace Vo = 0 with Vf = 0.

Jared
 
Back
Top