Projectile Velocity: Vx & Accel at Highest Point?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around the concepts of projectile motion, specifically focusing on the velocity and acceleration of a projectile at its highest point in its trajectory.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions whether the velocity of a projectile at its highest point is zero or equal to the initial x velocity, while also inquiring about the acceleration at that point.
  • Some participants confirm that the y component of velocity is zero at the highest point, while the x component remains unchanged.
  • Further questions arise regarding the implications of these components on the overall velocity of the projectile.

Discussion Status

The discussion is progressing with participants confirming aspects of projectile motion, particularly the behavior of velocity components and constant acceleration due to gravity. There is a clear exchange of ideas, but no explicit consensus has been reached on the implications of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's understanding of the components of velocity and acceleration in projectile motion is being explored, with emphasis on clarifying assumptions about their behavior at the highest point of the trajectory.

DJW
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Hey, I had a basic conception question about projectile velocity. When a projectile reaches its highest point, does the velocity of the projectile equal 0 or does it equal the initial x velocity? I know that Vy=0 at the highest point of a projectile's trajectory, but I'm not sure about the other component(s). Does this also go for the acceleration of the projectile?
 
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When a projectile reaches its highest point you are correct in that its y component of velocity is zero. The x component however is unchanged. A projectile will be subject to a constant acceleration due to gravity.
 
Does that mean that the velocity of a projectile at the highest point of its trajectory will be whatever the initial X velocity is?
 
Yes. The acceleration is always constant.
 
Thanks.
 

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