Velocity with mass and distance given ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the velocity of an object launched at a 45-degree angle, given only its mass and the distance traveled. It explores the application of projectile motion principles in a theoretical context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that mass is not necessary for calculating velocity if only gravity is acting, proposing the formula S = V^2/g for distance traveled at 45 degrees.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of drawing a diagram to visualize the projectile's motion and suggests finding the maximum height for vertical displacement.
  • A participant requests to see the effort of the original poster in solving the problem before providing further assistance.
  • One participant admits to not attempting to solve the problem and expresses curiosity about how velocity can be determined from displacement and weight.
  • A participant shares an anecdote about friends using a potato launcher and expresses curiosity about how they calculated velocity based on displacement and weight.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the necessity of mass for the calculations, and the discussion includes varying perspectives on how to approach the problem.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions regarding the applicability of the proposed formula or the conditions under which it holds true.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in projectile motion, physics students, and those curious about practical applications of physics concepts may find this discussion relevant.

iceman99
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An object is lanuched at angle of 45 degrees. If I only have mass and distance travled given, how can I find the velocity of the object?
 
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Funnily enough you don't even need the mass of the object, assuming only gravity is acting.

A bit of manipulation with the basic laws of motion will give you the formula S = V^2/g where g is gravitational acceleration and S is the distance traveled from the original launch point. That only works for 45 degrees.

Draw the diagram for a projectile launched at 45 degrees and work your way from there. You need to find the maximum point (i.e. when it reaches peak height) for vertical displacement from the ground and then plug that in for horizontal displacement from the origin.
 
Last edited:
@iceman99 : Show your effort for solving the problem first.
 
Last edited:
Sorry Sourabh, I will next time I didnt even try to solve the problem; i was just curious. Thank you dst.
 
Some of my friends made a potato launcher(I didnt think it would work) and I was curius how they found the velocity with displacement and the weight.
 

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