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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a stone thrown horizontally from a height h, with the goal of determining the initial speed v of the stone based on its horizontal distance x traveled before hitting the ground. The context is grounded in kinematics, specifically analyzing projectile motion while neglecting air resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the horizontal and vertical components of motion, questioning the assumption that the horizontal velocity is zero upon impact. There are attempts to derive expressions for initial velocity using kinematic equations, but confusion arises regarding the correct application of these equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem. Some have provided partial derivations, while others are questioning the assumptions made about the velocity components. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance has been offered regarding the nature of horizontal and vertical motion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the effects of gravity on vertical motion and the constancy of horizontal velocity in the absence of horizontal forces. There is also mention of the need to clarify the initial conditions and the definitions of the variables involved.

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([itex]\theta[/itex])×t+½at2
x = x0+v0x cos([itex]\theta[/itex])×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 = [itex]\sqrt{2gx}[/itex] and v0h = [itex]\sqrt{2gx}[/itex]

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 = [itex]\sqrt{2gx}[/itex]

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 = [itex]\sqrt{2gx}[/itex]

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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