Velocity Question: Initial vs. Final Velocity at y=0

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the relationship between initial and final velocities in the context of projectile motion, particularly at the point where the object reaches y = 0. Participants are exploring whether the final velocity at this point is equal to the initial velocity and the implications of external forces such as air resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the equality of initial and final velocities, particularly focusing on the conditions under which this holds true. Some mention the role of external forces like air resistance and energy conservation principles in determining the final velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various interpretations being explored regarding the conditions affecting the velocities. Some participants suggest that the final velocity just before impact is equal to the initial velocity in the absence of external forces, while others raise questions about the effects of air resistance and the conservation of energy.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing examination of assumptions related to the effects of gravity and air resistance on the motion of projectiles. Participants are also considering the implications of energy conservation in their reasoning.

Miike012
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My question is... If I have an initial velocity (V0) will the final velocity(Vf) at y = 0 be equal?

I created a diagram if the question is confusing...
If so, why is this true? Because wouldn't final velocity be zero??
 

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Essentially these types of problems are asking you the velocity at the instant before the object collides with the ground. Hence, unless there are external forces dissipating the objects energy, its final (at the instant before it touches ground) will equal its initial.
 
I think this is the qoestion on projectile motion. If air resisance is neglected, final velocity is equal to initial velocity. It will never become zero throughout the time of flight. if air resistance is included, final velocity will be less than initial one.
 
Miike012 said:
My question is... If I have an initial velocity (V0) will the final velocity(Vf) at y = 0 be equal?

I created a diagram if the question is confusing...
If so, why is this true? Because wouldn't final velocity be zero??

The velocities in the picture are not equal, but of equal magnitude, as the directions differ. You can say that the speeds are equal.

If it is a projectile, the horizontal component is constant during the motion as only vertical force -gravity- acts on the object. Energy is conserved, so mgyi+1/2 mvi2=mgyf+1/2 mvf2. If yi=yf the square of the velocities are equal, vi2=vf2. That means equal magnitudes |vi|=|vf|, that is, equal speeds.


ehild
 

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