Trebuchet Help: Calculating Final Velocity & Acceleration

[elvalil]

Trebuchet help!

1. Hi, I am writing a report for a trebuchet project, and trying to find the final velocity of the tennis ball, my teacher told us to just use this :F=m(v^2/r) for initial velocity. so I am really confused right now. I don't know how to find final velocity. Also, which equation do I use for acceleration? A=change in v/ total time; or v^2/t ? /I will just post one set of data.: Range: 7.3m; time :.98s; initial velocity: 5.981m/s.

Please Help..Its Due Tomorrow..AND I am STUCK on this..=[...
THANK U !

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

Hi, I am … trying to find the final velocity of the tennis ball, my teacher told us to just use this :F=m(v^2/r) for initial velocity …

Hi elvalil! Welcome to PF!

Yes, your teacher is right, because the initial and final velocities will be the same (if we ignore air resistance), provided the trebuchet is at the same height as the target.

(and if it isn't, just use KE + PE = constant )

 

[elvalil]

Thank you!
haha ..it was due today..
so I got my grade already...

but oh well..
thanks anyways...
now that I understand it completely.
thxx=]