Solving Projectile Motion: How High Will John's Apple Fly?

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John throws an apple from a height of 1.3 m with an initial velocity of 2.4 m/s, but it will only reach a maximum height of 1.6 m, falling short of his friend's treehouse at 5 m. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding projectile motion and energy conservation, noting that the angle of the throw and distance to the target are crucial factors. Participants suggest using kinematic equations to analyze the motion, specifically focusing on vertical displacement and acceleration due to gravity. The formula D = 0.5(Vi + Vf)t is mentioned, but the lack of time (t) complicates the calculations. Ultimately, the problem highlights the need for a solid grasp of basic physics principles to solve projectile motion challenges effectively.
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Help me please I've been stuck on this problem for an hour now...

John throws and apple from a height of 1.3 m with velocity of 2.4 m/s. Will it reach his friend in a treehouse 5 m above the ground?

My book gives the answer "No, it will only reach 1.6 m," but I really want to know how to do this. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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I would think you'd need to know the angle of the throw and how far away the friend is, but I'm quite a beginner so I'm not sure.
 
Consider conservation of energy. Will the apple have enough energy to make it to that height (regardless of the angle it's thrown)?
 
Whoops, sorry about the homework help violation...in such a rush to figure this out that I didnt see the rule.

I'm pretty sure he wants us to use a Free Fall kinda thing, with an equation like Vf=Vi+2(a)(t), but not all those factors are there. This is basic physics stuff, we're studying like -9.81 acceleration for gravity, and how to find displacement and velocity and all that.
 
If you threw the apple straight up at that speed, how high would it go?
 
Doc Al said:
If you threw the apple straight up at that speed, how high would it go?

Well that's what the question is asking, and I assume that's displacement. Displacement in our book is

D= .5(Vi+Vf)t

I have Vi(2.4), and Wf would be 0 once it reached the top, but I don't know t. Am I using the wrong formula here? I have no idea what to do... :frown:
 
You can find the time using the definition of acceleration:
v_f = v_i + at
 

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