Projectile Motion and maximum height

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem, specifically focusing on determining the maximum height reached by a projectile launched at a speed of 40 m/s at an angle of 60 degrees using conservation of energy principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between initial and final velocities, particularly questioning the vertical component of the initial velocity and its relevance to the problem. There are discussions about the conservation of energy equation and the role of kinetic and potential energy at different points in the projectile's flight.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about the components of velocity and the implications of energy conservation. Some have attempted calculations, while others seek clarification on the concepts involved, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the vertical component of the initial velocity and its significance in calculating maximum height. Participants are also considering the conditions at the highest point of the projectile's trajectory.

wowdusk
Messages
26
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A projectile is launched with a speed of 40 m/s at an angle of 60 degrees above the horizontal. Use conservation of energy to find the maximum height reached by the projectile during its flight.

Homework Equations


KEi+PEi=KEf+PEf

The Attempt at a Solution


i am not sure where vf would come from. Would it be just Vi*cos(60)?
I am not sure why that makes sense.
Does Vix=Vf?...and why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
wowdusk said:

Homework Statement


A projectile is launched with a speed of 40 m/s at an angle of 60 degrees above the horizontal. Use conservation of energy to find the maximum height reached by the projectile during its flight.

Homework Equations


KEi+PEi=KEf+PEf

The Attempt at a Solution


i am not sure where vf would come from. Would it be just Vi*cos(60)?
I am not sure why that makes sense.
Does Vix=Vf?...and why?

Assume your potential energy is 0 when you launch and your kinetic energy in the y direction is what? 1/2*m*Viy2?

And at the height it has no vertical kinetic energy and the potential energy is what?

What is the vertical component of V? (Hint: it's not Vi*cos(60))
 
why do i need the vertical component of Vi

I don't know how to find the V at the heighest point...

At the heighest point is the V in vertical direction 0 anyway?
 
I think i solved this out...i got 61m?
 
wowdusk said:
why do i need the vertical component of Vi

I don't know how to find the V at the heighest point...

At the heighest point is the V in vertical direction 0 anyway?

Yes your final V is 0.

But your initial V is the vertical component of V, as that is the component of V that is affected by gravity ... you know, where that potential energy is building.
 
Thank you...can you check if my answer is right?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
40
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
27K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K