What is the Velocity of a Projectile Using Kinematic Equations?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a projectile using kinematic equations. A participant initially calculated the velocity as 12.134 m/s but was informed that their approach overlooked the initial vertical velocity, leading to an incorrect result. The correct method involves breaking the motion into horizontal and vertical components and using time as a common variable. Another participant suggested a simpler method based on projectile trajectory equations, ultimately leading to a more accurate calculation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accounting for initial conditions in kinematic problems.
kaspis245
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Homework Statement


I need to find velocity v from the drawing.

Homework Equations


Equations of kinematics

The Attempt at a Solution



I found that v=12.134 m/s . I need to know is it correct.
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Your mistake should be in the calculation of s2. Since you use the equation h=1/2gt_{2}^2 seems like you ignore the fact that the particle has vertical velocity v_{y}=gt_{1}/2 at that point. So it should be h=v_{y}t_{2}+1/2gt_{2}^2
 
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I get a different answer.

Maybe you can verbally explain your reasoning?
 
paisiello2 said:
I get a different answer.

Maybe you can verbally explain your reasoning?
Delta means this:in order to find your time for s2, you find the time it takes to fall a distance h under gravity with an initial velocity (in the y direction) of zero. This will give you the wrong time. You need to account for the initial vertical velocity. Think: which takes longer to hit the ground: a ball shot straight forward or a ball shot upward at an initial positive angle above the horizontal?
 
I think it's a mistake to combine s1 and s2 the way you are doing because they depend on t^2.

The standard way to solve a problem like this is to break into two parts: Vx and Vy and use t as the common variable.
 
I understand my mistake, it should be h=vyt2+1/2gt22

Here's what I get:

image.jpg


Then I tried to solve it:

image.jpg


I think this answer is wrong. Please help!

By the way, I did solve this equation using Wolfram Alfa and got v=6,88 m/s.
 
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You got drown in a spoon of water :D, you forgot the square root in the last step, the velocity is the square root of 47.4.

But i am not quite sure the initial equation (sg=2v_x^2+... is correct can u show us how u derive it.

Ok i think it must be correct cause solving the problem with the "usual" aaproach described briefly by paisiello2 gives the same result.
 
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There is a much simpler method based on the trajectory of the projectile. The horizontal displacement (x) is x = Vo cos(α) t , the vertical displacement y - h= Vosin(α) t -g/2 t2. Eliminate the time t, you get the equation y(x) for the whole trajectory:
## y = h + \tan(α) x - \frac{g x^2}{2 V_0^2 \cos^2(α)} ##
You know both the initial point and the final point of the trajectory: if x=0, y=h=0.17 m and x=s=5 m, when y=0. Alpha is given, α=45°. Substitute the known data, and solve the equation for Vo.
 
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