Why Is Initial Velocity Equal to Final Velocity in Parabolic Motion?

AI Thread Summary
In parabolic motion, when an object is launched and lands at the same height, its initial and final velocities are equal due to the symmetry of the trajectory. The object experiences constant gravitational acceleration of approximately 9.8 m/s² throughout its flight, affecting both the upward and downward motion equally. This symmetry means that the speed at which it is launched will match the speed at which it impacts the ground. The angle of launch also plays a role in determining the trajectory but does not affect the equality of initial and final velocities. Thus, the principles of physics governing projectile motion confirm that initial velocity equals final velocity in this scenario.
lilstar
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I was wondering, when an object's motion is in the shape of a parabola, and it lands at the same height that it was shot from.. why would the initial velocity and the angle from the ground at which it was shot from.. be equal to the final velocity at which it hit the ground?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Would it be because of its parabolic shape?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Because both when moving upwards and downwards the same gravitational force is working on the object. It's acceleration is always ~9.8 m/s^{2} and directed to Earth's center.
 

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Similar threads

Understanding the Symmetry of Motion in a Parabolic Trajectory
Replies
10
Views
2K
Find the initial velocity ##U##
Replies
3
Views
871
How come "terminal velocity" and "final velocity" are different?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Final velocity of the barbell dropped after a dead lift
Replies
7
Views
870
Calculating Initial Velocity of a Football Using Projectile Motion Equations
Replies
23
Views
3K
Projectile motion with ##N## bounces on the ground
Replies
21
Views
1K
Projectile Motion Using Vectors
Replies
39
Views
4K
Calculating Slingshot Projectile Motion - Finding Initial Velocity
Replies
5
Views
3K
In the circular motion below, what will be the velocity?
Replies
14
Views
2K
Initial velocity of bird landing on horizontal wire modeled as spring
Replies
7
Views
981

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top