Projectile Motion Example - How fast when it hits the ground

Physics with Professor Matt Anderson2 minutes read

Professor Anderson presents a projectile motion problem with specific parameters and questions regarding duration in the air and final speed. Through kinematic equations, the final speed of the object is calculated as approximately 42.21 meters per second, remaining constant regardless of the launch angle and height.

Insights

  • The final speed of the object in the projectile motion problem is calculated to be approximately 42.21 meters per second, showcasing the application of kinematic equations and the relationship between initial velocity, height, and gravitational acceleration.
  • The constancy of the final speed despite variations in launch angle and height highlights the principle of conservation of energy and the influence of gravity on projectile motion, emphasizing fundamental physics concepts in real-world scenarios.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is projectile motion?

    The concept of projectile motion refers to the motion of an object that is thrown or projected into the air and is subject to gravity. It involves analyzing the motion of the object in both the horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously.

  • How is initial velocity calculated?

    Initial velocity (VI) is the velocity at which an object is launched or thrown. It can be calculated by determining the horizontal and vertical components of the velocity separately using trigonometric functions and then combining them to find the resultant initial velocity.

  • What is the significance of launch angle?

    The launch angle, represented by theta, plays a crucial role in determining the trajectory of a projectile. It affects the range, height, and time of flight of the object. The angle at which the object is launched influences its motion and final position.

  • How does height impact projectile motion?

    The initial height from which an object is launched affects its total energy, potential energy, and time of flight. The height contributes to the gravitational potential energy of the object, influencing its trajectory and final speed upon landing.

  • Why does final speed remain constant in projectile motion?

    In projectile motion, the final speed of an object before hitting the ground remains constant regardless of the launch angle and height. This is due to the conservation of energy and the fact that there are no horizontal forces acting on the object, resulting in a consistent final speed at impact.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Projectile Motion: Calculating Final Speed from Height

  • Professor Anderson introduces a projectile motion problem involving launching an object at an angle from the top of a building.
  • Given parameters include VI (initial velocity) at 20 meters per second, theta (angle) at 30 degrees, and H (height) at 45 meters.
  • The first question is the duration the object remains in the air, and the second question pertains to its final speed.
  • By analyzing the kinematic equations, it is determined that the final speed can be calculated using the equation VF = square root of (VI squared + 2GH).
  • The final speed is computed to be approximately 42.21 meters per second.
  • Despite the launch angle and height, the final speed of the object before hitting the ground remains constant, illustrating a physics principle.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.