Need help finding what formula to use?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves projectile motion, specifically determining the maximum height reached by a tennis ball hit at an initial velocity of 26 m/s at an angle of 54 degrees above the horizontal.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between vertical velocity and maximum height, with some exploring the appropriate formulas to use for calculating height in projectile motion.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the correct formula to apply, with participants questioning the values to use for initial velocity and final velocity at the peak height. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conditions at the highest point of the trajectory.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply.

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Homework Statement


A tennis player hits a ball at ground level, giving it an initial velocity of 26 m/s^2 at 54 degrees above the horizontal. How high above the ground does the ball go?


Homework Equations


?


The Attempt at a Solution


I found out the horizontal velocity, which is 15.3 and the vertical velocity which is 21.0
 
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In projectile motion the highest point occurs right in the middle when the vertical speed is zero.
 
Yeah, I understand that. What formula would I use to actually find the height though?
 
[tex]v^2=v_o^2+2a\Delta y[/tex]
 
So if at the highest point there is a vertical speed of zero, would I put zero in for v^2? 26 for initial velocity and -9.8 for acceleration?
 
Yes.
 
the answer is 22.6, but when i do that I get 34.49
 
ohh... I think I needed to put in the vertical velocity which was 21.0 instead. Then that formula works.
 

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