What is the velocity at the midway point of projectile motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the velocity of a projectile at its midway point during its motion, specifically when thrown with an initial velocity from the origin. The problem involves understanding the kinematic equations related to projectile motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of kinematic equations, particularly the relationship between velocity, acceleration, and height. There is an attempt to simplify the equation and express variables in different forms. Questions arise regarding the assumptions made about maximum height and the implications for velocity.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing guidance on how to manipulate the equations. There is a recognition of useful equations and a collaborative effort to clarify the relationships between the variables involved. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. The discussion includes questioning the definitions and assumptions related to the height and velocity at specific points in the projectile's trajectory.

rasen58
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Homework Statement


The velocity at the midway point of a ball able to reach a height y when thrown with a velocity v0 at the origin is:

Homework Equations


v2=v02+2ay

The Attempt at a Solution


I made y = 1/2 y and the simplified the equation to v=sqrt(v02+ay)
But that is wrong because the answer is sqrt(v02/2)
Why?
 
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See if you can continue to simplify your result. In particular, can you find a way to express ay in terms of v0?
 
a = (v-v0)/t
y = v0t+1/2 at2
Substituting those don't seem to help enough
 
In your first post, you stated the following useful equation: v2 = vo2 + 2ay.

In your problem, y represents the height to which the ball will reach (i.e., the maximum height). When the ball reaches maximum height, what can you say about the value of v on the left side of the equation?
 
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Oh wow, then you get ay = - v02/2
and then if you plug that back into my first equation, you get the answer.
Wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks!
 
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Can you please explain more ?
 

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