What is the connection between velocity and maximum height?

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The discussion focuses on the relationship between velocity and maximum height in physics problems involving motion. A participant initially miscalculates the time and height using incorrect initial velocity and fails to include the necessary 1/2 term in the acceleration equation. Clarifications emphasize that the initial velocity does not change and that the correct formula for height must incorporate both the initial velocity and the acceleration term properly. Additionally, the conversation highlights that to determine the maximum height, one must set the velocity equation to zero and solve for time, linking the concepts of calculus to motion. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately solving projectile motion problems.
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For problem 11(please see the pdf file), I did this:
0 = 54 - 10t
t=5.51

x = 54*5.51-9.8*5.51(squared)
x = 148.8

What did I do wrong?

Note:
V= Vi + GT
X= Xi + Vi*T+.5*G*T(squared)
 

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Mistake

I meant 0 = 54-9.8T
 


Always keep your units in your calculations. It makes it easier to troubleshoot.

Originally posted by NINHARDCOREFAN
For problem 11(please see the pdf file), I did this:
0 = 54 - 10t
t=5.51

Initial velocity is not 54 m/s, but it washes out in this part, because you know both velocities and can subtract them.

x = 54*5.51-XXX*9.8*5.512
x = 148.8

What did I do wrong?

The initial velocity does not wash in this equation, and you missed a 1/2 term in the acceleration portion.
 
yeah, .5*108=54. I didn't forget the 1/2. I don't understand when you say, you have to subract both velocities, because if you do that you get the same velocity
 


Originally posted by NINHARDCOREFAN
V= Vi + GT
X= Xi + Vi*T+.5*G*T2

0 = 54 - 10t
t=5.51

x = 54*5.51-9.8*5.512

Look again, carefully NIN.

54m/s = 108m/s - 9.8m/s2*t

The two like terms can be subtracted, giving you what you got for the first line.

0 = 54m/s - 9.8m/s2*t

That doesn't mean that the initial velocity is now 54m/s.

For the second line, the 1/2 term is not on the velocity portion, it's on the acceleration portion!

x = 0m + (108m/s * 5.51s) + (1/2 * 9.8m/s2 * t2)
 
<i>The initial velocity does not wash in this equation, and you missed a 1/2 term in the acceleration portion.</i>

so I just use the original velocity? I meant to put 1/2 in the equation, it was a typo.
 
Yep, that's it.

If you think to calculus, the x= equation is merely the integral of the first equation. Since the Vi term is a constant, it just gets a t added to it, but it doesn't change itself.
 
Thanks a lot.
 
Another question, for problem 13(please see the pdf file) what do i do? I'm getting 0 as an answer
21.6(squared)= 16.2m/s(squared)-2*9.8m/s(x-10.4m)
 
  • #10
The stone will go up as long as it's velocity is positive, come down when it's velocity is negative. It will be at it's highest point when it's velocity is 0.
Solve your velocity equation (that you got earlier) equal to 0 to find t when that happens, then plug that t into your height function.

Since velocity is the derivative of height, this is the same as the more general calculus rule: to find max or min of a function, set it's derivative equal to 0.
 
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