What Is the Speed of a Cannonball at Its Maximum Height?

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SUMMARY

The speed of a cannonball at its maximum height is determined by its horizontal velocity, as vertical velocity is zero at that point. In the discussed scenario, the cannonball has a mass of 15.5 kg and reaches a maximum height of 20.1 m. The equations provided, including F=mg and Vf^2=Vi^2 + 2A*d, are relevant but insufficient without knowing the initial speed or angle of launch. Therefore, the problem cannot be solved with the given information.

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Chaalie
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Hey guys!
This is my first post on this forum, though I've been looking through it for a few months now. I am in a basic Grade 11 physics course, and I'm having a little trouble with this one. So, here goes...

Homework Statement


A cannonball (mass=15.5kg) is shot out of a cannon on Earth (assume it is shot at a height of 0m). The maximum height that it reaches is 20.1m. What is the speed of the cannonball at the maximum height?

Homework Equations


The different equations I know that might be useful are...
Eg=m*g*h
V=d/t
A=v/t
d=V(initial)*t + (A*(t)^2)/2
d=[(V(initial)+V(final))*t]/2

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempts have been a little rough, but here is my best one...
F=mg
=15.5*9.8
=151.9N

A=F/m
=151.9N/15.5
=9.8m/s^2

Vf^2=Vi^2 + 2A*d
= 0 + 2(9.8)(20.1)
Vf^2= 393.96
Therefore, Vf = 19.84842563m/sI have a feeling I've done something wrong...any input?
I'd still like to figure it out myself, so if somebody could just point me in the right direction, that'd be great!Charlie
 
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The the maximum height, its vertical velocity is zero. It has only horizontal velocity, and horizontal velocity depends on the velocity at which it was fired. It isn't possible to solve this problem with the information you are given.
 
cavalier said:
It isn't possible to solve this problem with the information you are given.

Correct. We need to know the initial speed or angle, or the initial horizontal component of velocity, to solve the problem.
 
Thanks guys!
I'll check with my teacher to see if he missed anything.
 

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