Projectile Maximum Height: True or False Explanation

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The discussion centers on whether the maximum height of a projectile is influenced by its horizontal velocity component. Participants argue that the maximum height is independent of horizontal velocity, emphasizing that the vertical and horizontal components of motion are separate in projectile motion. Gravity is identified as the primary force affecting the projectile's height, while other forces like the Magnus effect are considered negligible. The conversation also touches on the complexities introduced by the Earth's shape and gravitational variations. Ultimately, the consensus is that the maximum height does not depend on horizontal velocity.
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The maximum height reached by a projectile depends on the horizontal velocity component.

True or False


Here's my reasoning - the maximum height is reached when y=0, so in that case the maximum height depends on the horizontal velocity component. I'd like to hear your guys thoughts on this. I only get 1 shot at getting this right so I want to hear what you guys think! :wink:
 
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is it because of gravity?
 
Since it's the only force acting on the projectile (neglecting Magnus effect,aerodynamic force,Stokes force,Coriolis force) i'd say yes...

Daniel.
 
Yeah...the KEY point of projectile motion as modeled in school is that horizontal and vertical components of the projectile's velocity are independent. That's what they want you to remember.
 
alright thanks guys
 
dextercioby said:
Since it's the only force acting on the projectile (neglecting Magnus effect,aerodynamic force,Stokes force,Coriolis force) i'd say yes...

Daniel.

You left out the finite size of the planet which brings the inverse square law into play! :-)
 
He asked me about gravity,not the inverse square law and where it comes from...And besides,everything reduces to solving Einstein's equations,right...?? :wink:

Daniel.
 
Tide said:
You left out the finite size of the planet which brings the inverse square law into play! :-)


and to continue dexter's nitpicking, he also forgot to incorporate the fact that the Earth is not a perfect sphere...Where are them Legendre-terms in the potential ?


marlon
 
  • #10
"The maximum height reached by a projectile depends on the horizontal velocity component."

Do you see any Earth nonspherical,here?

Daniel.
 
  • #11
do you see any coriolis,blablabla here ?

gravity also changes when you take into account a non-spherical earth

marlon
 
  • #12
The PLANET/celestial body (with atmosphere) A PRIORI SPHERICAL IS ASSUMED ROTATING...

I AGREE with the second part...

Daniel.
 

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