Projectile: time max height reached

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a projectile motion scenario where a rock is thrown at an angle with a specified initial velocity. The objective is to determine the time it takes for the rock to reach its maximum height.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the time to reach maximum height using the initial velocity and acceleration due to gravity. There is an exploration of the vertical component of the initial velocity and its relevance to the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on applying the kinematic equations specifically to the vertical motion, while others are questioning the accuracy of the initial conditions and the constants used in calculations. There is an acknowledgment of a potential discrepancy in the expected answer due to different values for gravitational acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the effects of rounding and measurement precision on their calculations, as well as the implications of using different values for gravitational acceleration in their computations.

Newlander
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Homework Statement


"A boy throws a rock with an initial velocity of 3.13 m/s at 30.0 degrees above the horizontal. How long does it take for the rock to reach the maximum height of its trajectory?"

vi = 3.13 m/s
tmax height = ?
vf = 0 m/s (at max height)
a = -9.8 m/s2


Homework Equations


vf = vi + at

(Not sure!)




The Attempt at a Solution


vf = vi + at
t = [(vf - vi) / a] = [(0 m/s - 3.13 m/s)/-9.8 m/s2]
t = 0.319 s

Concern:
The correct answer is listed as 0.313 s; because my answer is so close, I wondered if this were a typo. If not, I clearly am taking the wrong approach and would appreciate some guidance.
 
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The ball has been thrown at an angle, and the magnitude of the initial velocity is 3.13 m/s. With what initial velocity does the ball move upward?

ehild
 
Hmmm . . . so, I should determine viy? If so, 3.13 m/s sin(30) = 1.57 m/s . . . sorry--not clear on how this will help me arrive at what's noted as the correct answer. I did plug this figure into vf2 - vi2 = 2ad, and then determined d from that . . . and then plugged that d into d = vit + 1/2at2 to determine t . . . but I ended up with the same answer, 0.319 s.
 
You have the formula vf=vi+at already. Apply it to the vertical velocity components. At the maximum height, vy=0 (not the velocity v, as the ball keeps it horizontal velocity component during the whole flight)

ehild
 
Lol, this is going to seem so simple after . . .

You used: -9.8m/s2

They used: -10m/s2

You got the correct answer under a more precise measurement.
 
Last edited:

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