SUMMARY
The initial velocity of a rock thrown horizontally from a 20-meter high cliff, which strikes the ground at a 45-degree angle, is determined to be 20 m/s. The solution involves using the equations of motion, specifically the vertical motion equation v² = 0 - 2gy, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). By calculating the final vertical velocity and recognizing the relationship between the horizontal and vertical components of velocity, the initial horizontal velocity can be derived. The final answer confirms that the rock was thrown with a speed of 20 m/s.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of projectile motion principles
- Familiarity with kinematic equations
- Knowledge of vector components in physics
- Basic grasp of trigonometric relationships in right triangles
NEXT STEPS
- Study the derivation of projectile motion equations
- Learn about the effects of air resistance on projectile trajectories
- Explore the concept of vector decomposition in physics
- Investigate real-world applications of projectile motion in sports and engineering
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of projectile motion and its applications.
