What Is the Initial Speed of a Ball Thrown at an Angle to Return in 3 Seconds?

In summary, the first ball thrown straight upward and returning to its original level in 3.00 s and the second ball thrown at an angle of 36.0° above the horizontal and also returning to its original level in 3.00 s both have the same initial speed, which can be found by considering the vertical motion and using the equation v=u+at with the final velocity being 0, the time being half of the total time, and the acceleration due to gravity.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



A ball thrown straight upward returns to its original level in 3.00 s. A second ball is thrown at an angle of 36.0° above the horizontal. What is the initial speed of the second ball if it also returns to its original level in 3.00 s?
anwer : ___ m/s


Homework Equations



i need help finding the correct equation which would guide me to a correct answer

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Consider the vertical motion of the particle. You know that v=u+at. Take the final velocity v to be zero (at the maximum height of the particle, and halfway through the motion). You know the time t (half of the total time), and the acceleration due to gravity. This let's you find the initial vertical velocity of the particle, which you can then resolve to find the initial speed. Hope that makes sense and helps!
 
  • #3


There are a few different equations that could help solve this problem. One option is to use the equation for vertical displacement, which is given by: Δy = v0t + 1/2at^2. Since the ball returns to its original level, we know that the final displacement (Δy) is equal to 0. So, we can rearrange the equation to solve for the initial velocity (v0): v0 = -1/2at^2. We also know that the acceleration due to gravity (a) is -9.8 m/s^2, and the time (t) is 3.00 s. Plugging in these values, we get: v0 = -1/2(-9.8)(3.00)^2 = 44.1 m/s. This would be the initial velocity of the second ball if it is thrown straight up at an angle of 36.0° above the horizontal.

Another option is to use the equation for vertical velocity, which is given by: vf = v0 + at. Since the final velocity (vf) is equal to 0 when the ball reaches its original level, we can rearrange the equation to solve for the initial velocity (v0): v0 = -at. Again, we know that the acceleration due to gravity (a) is -9.8 m/s^2, and the time (t) is 3.00 s. Plugging in these values, we get: v0 = -(9.8)(3.00) = 29.4 m/s. However, this equation only gives us the vertical component of the initial velocity. To find the total initial velocity, we need to use trigonometry to find the horizontal component. We can use the angle (36.0°) and the vertical velocity (29.4 m/s) to find the horizontal velocity using the equation: v0x = v0cosθ. Plugging in the values, we get: v0x = (29.4)(cos36.0°) = 23.6 m/s. So, the total initial velocity of the second ball is 23.6 m/s at an angle of 36.0° above the horizontal.

Overall, there are multiple equations and methods that can be used to solve this problem. It is important to carefully consider the given information and choose the most appropriate equation to use.
 

Related to What Is the Initial Speed of a Ball Thrown at an Angle to Return in 3 Seconds?

1. What is the initial speed problem?

The initial speed problem refers to a physics concept where the initial speed of an object is unknown, but other variables such as distance and time are known. This problem is often solved using equations of motion to calculate the initial speed.

2. How do you solve the initial speed problem?

To solve the initial speed problem, you must first identify the known variables, such as distance, time, and acceleration. Then, you can use the appropriate equation of motion (such as v = u + at) to calculate the initial speed.

3. What are the units for initial speed?

The units for initial speed depend on the system of units being used. In the International System of Units (SI), initial speed is measured in meters per second (m/s). In the Imperial system, it is measured in feet per second (ft/s).

4. Can you have a negative initial speed?

Yes, it is possible to have a negative initial speed. This indicates that the object is moving in the opposite direction of the chosen positive direction. It is important to be consistent with the chosen positive direction when solving initial speed problems.

5. How is the initial speed problem applied in real life?

The initial speed problem is a fundamental concept in physics and is applicable in many real-life situations. For example, it can be used to calculate the initial speed of a car in a collision, the initial speed of a projectile, or the initial speed of a roller coaster. It is also used in sports, such as calculating the initial speed of a baseball thrown by a pitcher.

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