Why the conservation energy doesn't work out?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the application of conservation of energy and kinematic equations to analyze the velocity of a ball thrown in different directions. It highlights that, despite initial confusion, the speed of the ball upon hitting the ground is indeed the same in all cases when considering energy conservation. The discrepancy arises because the horizontal motion in the second case was not accounted for in the kinematic equations. By recognizing that the final velocity is a vector sum of both horizontal and vertical components, the confusion is resolved. Ultimately, the correct approach confirms that the final velocities are equal across all scenarios.
cks
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In the
first case, a ball with a mass m is thrown vertically upward,
second case, a ball with the same mass is thrown horizontally,
third case, a ball with the same mass is thrown vertically downward,

Compare the velocity v when the ball hit the ground for the first, second and third case.

If I use conservation of energy to work it, I find that the velocity at the bottom of the ground is the same for each case.

However, if I use equation of linear motion, I find that the second case, the ball hits the ground with a velocity smaller than the first and third case.

What is wrong? I'm totally confused.
 

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cks said:
If I use conservation of energy to work it, I find that the velocity at the bottom of the ground is the same for each case.
Right! The speed of the ball as it hits the ground is the same in each case.

However, if I use equation of linear motion, I find that the second case, the ball hits the ground with a velocity smaller than the first and third case.
While the first and third cases only involve vertical motion, the second case also involves horizontal motion. But when you applied the kinematic equation to the second case, you ignored the horizontal speed. That adds an extra 1/2 m u^2 to the energy.
 
Thanks, I finally understand what went wrong. Since the final v is a vector, I should add up the velocity of x-component and y-component, it's found to be the same. Thank you again!
 
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