Projectile Motion - Find intial velocity when given an angle?

AI Thread Summary
A cannonball is fired at a 30° angle from a height of 38.4 m, and it strikes the ground with a speed of 1.3 times its initial speed. To find the initial velocity (v0), the problem can be approached using conservation of energy, which relates initial and final kinetic energy and potential energy changes. The horizontal velocity remains constant, while the vertical distance provides necessary information for calculations. The angle of launch does not affect the energy conservation approach for this specific problem. This method simplifies the solution by allowing unknown variables to cancel out.
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Homework Statement



A cannonball is fired with initial speed v0 at an angle 30° above the horizontal from a height of 38.4 m above the ground. The projectile strikes the ground with a speed of 1.3v0. Find v0. (Ignore any effects due to air resistance.)


Homework Equations



v= Vo + at

v^2 = Vo^2 + 2a(x-Xo)

x = Xo + Vot + .5at^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I honestly don't know where to start with this problem. I know it needs to be separated into X and Y components, but it just seems like I don't have enough information to do it.

I mean, what do I know?

x = ?
Xo = 0
Vx = ?
Vox = ? Vcos30 = 1.3Vocos30
Vx = ?
a = 0
t = ?

y = -38.4
Yo = 0
Vy = ?
Voy = ? Vsin30 = 1.3Vosin30
Vy = ?
a = -9.8
t = ?

Can anyone help give me an idea of where to start?
 
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Consider using conservation of energy. You have the initial height and final speed in terms of initial speed. Set up an expression relating initial kinetic energy to final kinetic energy in terms of the speeds given and the change of energy due to the change in height. You should find that the "things you don't know" cancel out of the equation.
 
This would depend on the angle in which the projectile struck the ground.
 
zgozvrm said:
This would depend on the angle in which the projectile struck the ground.

What would?
 
Since all you need to find is the final speed, gneill is right, conservation of energy is the easiest & most direct way to solve the problem.

BTW: Using conservation of energy, you really don't even need the launch angle.
 
zgozvrm said:
This would depend on the angle in which the projectile struck the ground.

No, I spoke too soon...
 
lets give you a hint...
1. horizontal velocity would not change
2. since you know the vertical distance you know the height
 
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