What Is the Initial Speed of a Horizontally Thrown Stone from Height h?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the initial speed of a stone thrown horizontally from a height h, hitting the ground after traveling a distance x, while neglecting air resistance. Participants clarify that the horizontal component of velocity remains constant throughout the motion, while the vertical component is affected by gravity. The correct relationship between height, distance, and gravity is emphasized, leading to the conclusion that the initial horizontal speed can be expressed as v0x = √(2gx). Misunderstandings about the final velocity being zero are addressed, highlighting that only the vertical component reaches zero upon impact. The conversation underscores the importance of distinguishing between horizontal and vertical motion in projectile dynamics.
Radarithm
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Homework Statement



A stone is thrown horizontally from a height h above the ground (h > 0). The stone hits the ground after having traveled a horizontal distance x (x > 0). What is the expression for the initial speed v of the stone? Neglect air resistance. (please use the variables x and h and the constant g in your answer)

Homework Equations



h = h0+v0y sin(\theta)×t+½at2
x = x0+v0x cos(\theta)×t+½at2
v2x = v20x + 2a(x - x0)
v2h = v20h + 2a(x - x0)

The Attempt at a Solution



The velocity when x = 0 (after the rock hits the ground) is 0, so I used that as v in the 3rd equation. a is simply -g (gravity). After simplifying these two I got: v0x = \sqrt{2gx} and v0h = \sqrt{2gx}

I am obviously doing something wrong; I can't find a way to relate h, x , and g to find v0. Any help would be appreciated.

edit: x0 is equal to 0.
 
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v2x = v20x + 2a(x - x0x)
since v = 0 when the rock hits the ground, 0 = v20x + 2a(x - x0x)
x0 is also 0, and a is gravity, 9.8 m/s, therefore:
0 = v20x + 2gx
v20x = 2gx
v0x = \sqrt{2gx}

and the same applies to the equation that deals with h (height)
I only just woke up so I can't really think straight :frown:
 
Radarithm said:
v2x = v20x + 2a(x - x0x)
since v = 0 when the rock hits the ground, 0 = v20x + 2a(x - x0x)
x0 is also 0, and a is gravity, 9.8 m/s, therefore:
0 = v20x + 2gx
v20x = 2gx
v0x = \sqrt{2gx}

and the same applies to the equation that deals with h (height)
I only just woke up so I can't really think straight :frown:

Why do you think vx is 0 ? Is there a force in x-direction which produces a deceleration such that the x-component of velocity on reaching the ground becomes zero ?
 
Last edited:
Tanya Sharma said:
Why do you think vx is 0 ? Is there a force in x-direction which produces a deceleration such that the x-component of velocity on reaching the ground becomes zero ?

I obviously need to redo this problem.
 
Radarithm said:
I obviously need to redo this problem.

but you need to think in correct direction...

What are the horizontal and vertical components of initial velocity (Assuming it to be 'v') ?
 
Tanya Sharma said:
but you need to think in correct direction...

What are the horizontal and vertical components of initial velocity (Assuming it to be 'v') ?

Well the acceleration decreases in the y direction, causing the rock to hit the ground; but that's still not answering the question; I'll skip this one and come back to it later.
 
Radarithm said:
Well the acceleration decreases in the y direction, causing the rock to hit the ground; but that's still not answering the question; I'll skip this one and come back to it later.

The acceleration remains constant in the vertical direction.It is 'g' i.e 9.8m/s2.

The velocity of the rock when it hits the ground is not zero .The horizontal component of velocity does not change during the flight.It is the vertical component of velocity which changes due to acceleration 'g'.
 
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