Projectile Motion Homework: Finding Initial Speed and Flight Time

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the initial speed of a bullet shot straight up that reaches a maximum height of 612 meters. The key equations used include the kinematic equation for motion under gravity, specifically \( v^2 = u^2 + 2as \), where \( v \) is the final velocity (0 m/s at maximum height), \( u \) is the initial velocity, \( a \) is acceleration due to gravity (-9.81 m/s²), and \( s \) is the height (612 m). The initial speed can be derived as \( u = \sqrt{2gh} \), leading to a numeric value for the total flight time, \( t = \frac{2u}{g} \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations in physics
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
  • Familiarity with projectile motion concepts
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the initial speed using the formula \( u = \sqrt{2gh} \)
  • Determine the total flight time using \( t = \frac{2u}{g} \)
  • Explore the effects of air resistance on projectile motion
  • Study advanced kinematic equations for varying angles of projectile launch
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of projectile motion and its calculations.

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Homework Statement


A bullet is shot straight up into the air. It reaches a maximum height at h = 612 m.

Find an expression for the initial speed of the ball.

Using your previous results find a numeric time for the total flight time, t until the ball reaches the ground.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




Ok so I am assuming at initial speed y is 0 although it seems like Vo would be zero there to but if i do i got volt=(1/2)gt^2 Vo = (1/2)gt i think that's right for projectile motion, if it is the expression for t is = 2Vo/g because at that time y=yo=0, but now how do i get a numeric value for it i can't figure out Vo, initial velocity, is it just zero? I am pretty stuck here
 
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If the bullet had an initial muzzle velocity of 0 coming out of the gun, how high would it go?

You are given how high the bullet goes and that it is traveling straight up (against gravity). You also need to realize that the bullet's velocity at its highest point is 0. With that information in hand, you need to relate initial and final velocity to acceleration and distance - initial velocity should be your only unknown (which you can solve for).
 

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