What is the initial projectile speed of the ball?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the initial speed, maximum height, and speed at maximum height of a slow-pitch softball released from 3.0 ft above ground. Participants clarify that the time to reach maximum height is not 1.25 seconds, and the initial velocity cannot be zero since the ball is pitched. The correct approach involves using the time to maximum height and accounting for the initial height of 3 ft in calculations. Misunderstandings about the equations and the time variables are addressed, emphasizing the importance of accurate values for proper calculations. The conversation highlights the need for careful application of physics principles in projectile motion problems.
kappcity06
Messages
90
Reaction score
0
The pitcher in a slow-pitch softball game releases the ball at a point 3.0 ft above ground level. A stroboscopic plot of the position of the ball is shown in the figure below, where the readings are 0.25 s apart and the ball is released at t = 0. On the horizontal axis, x1 = 20 ft.


(a) What is the initial speed of the ball?
ft/s
(b) What is the speed of the ball at the instant it reaches its maximum height above ground level?
ft/s
(c) What is that maximum height?
ft


i tried to find part c first. since i know that time is equal to 1.25 seconds i used deltay=.5at^2
.5(32)(1.25)^2
25 feet
this did not work so I do not know what to do?
any one with any help. thaks
 

Attachments

  • 1.gif
    1.gif
    14.9 KB · Views: 647
Physics news on Phys.org
Why are you using t=1.25s in your calculation? That isn't the time it takes the ball to get to maximum height.
 
If you can answer (b), that will help you answer (c).

Dorothy
 
u=0 i think
 
Gib Z said:
u=0 i think

u can't be zero as the ball is pitched!
 
i am still not getting the answer. I also tried time as 1.25/2 but this is stil not right?

any one please
 
1.25/2 is the time to the maximum height. The equation you were using gives the change in height from where it started. Don't forget it was 3 ft above the ground when it was thrown. So if you want the total height above the ground you have to take that into account.

Does that help?
 
Back
Top