Initial velocity of a projectile

In summary, the problem involves finding the initial velocity of a projectile launched at an angle relative to the horizontal. The projectile starts at a height of h above the surface and lands at a distance of (delta)x. Equations for calculating the distance and height of the projectile are given, and the initial velocity can be found by solving for a variable in one equation and plugging it into the other equation. The initial height and final height are assumed to be the same. The equations for the initial velocities in the x and y directions are also provided. No numerical values are given, so the answer is to be solved algebraically.
  • #1
jpd5184
76
0

Homework Statement



1. A projectile is launched at angle(theta) relative to the horizontal (see the figure below). The
initial height of the projectile above the surface of the table is h, and it hits the table at
distance (delta)x from the launch point. Find the launch speed vi of the projectile.

Homework Equations



(delta x)= Vi(initial velocity of x) + (delta t)
(delta y)=Vi(initial velocity of y)(delta t)-0.5g(delta t)^2
yi=yf (initial position equals final position)


The Attempt at a Solution



i think i have to some for some variable in one equation and then plug that into the other equation and solve for Vi(initial velocity)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
For your first equation, you probably meant
(delta x)= Vi(initial velocity of x) * (delta t)

And for clarification. . .is the initial height the same as the final height? From reading the question it seems like it is launched above the table, and then hits the table.

Remember that Vix= Vi (cos theta)
Viy= Vi (sin theta)

Is that all the info that was given? There doesn't seem to be any numbers. . .unless the answer is not supposed to be numerical. . .
 
  • #3
for clarification there are not supposed to be any numbers, i just have to solve for initial velocity.

a cannon shoots a ball that lands a certain distance from the ground. when the ball is leaving the cannon its at a height of h. find the initial velocity.
 

1. What is initial velocity of a projectile?

The initial velocity of a projectile is the speed and direction at which an object is launched or thrown. It is the velocity at the moment the object leaves the ground or is released from a launcher.

2. How is the initial velocity of a projectile calculated?

The initial velocity of a projectile can be calculated using the formula v = u + at, where v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration, and t is the time. Alternatively, it can also be calculated using the formula v = √(u^2 + 2as), where s is the displacement.

3. What factors affect the initial velocity of a projectile?

The initial velocity of a projectile is affected by the angle of launch, the speed of the launcher, and any external forces acting on the object, such as gravity or air resistance. The mass and shape of the projectile can also affect its initial velocity.

4. How does the initial velocity of a projectile impact its trajectory?

The initial velocity of a projectile has a direct impact on its trajectory. A higher initial velocity will result in a longer range and a flatter trajectory, while a lower initial velocity will result in a shorter range and a steeper trajectory.

5. Can the initial velocity of a projectile change during flight?

Yes, the initial velocity of a projectile can change during flight due to external forces such as air resistance, wind, or gravity. These forces can either increase or decrease the initial velocity, resulting in a change in the projectile's trajectory.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
792
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
821
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
891
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
786
Back
Top