Math Problem Statement

"A projectile is fired with an initial speed of 37.9 m/s at an angle of 43.4 ∘ above the horizontal on a long flat firing range." Determine the maximum height reached by the projectile. Express your answer using three significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Solution

To find the maximum height reached by the projectile, we can use the following kinematic equation:

vy2=vy022g(hh0)v_y^2 = v_{y_0}^2 - 2g(h - h_0)

where:

  • vyv_y is the final vertical velocity at the maximum height (which is 0, since the projectile stops rising at its highest point),
  • vy0v_{y_0} is the initial vertical velocity,
  • gg is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81m/s29.81 \, \text{m/s}^2),
  • hh is the maximum height,
  • h0h_0 is the initial height (which is 0 for a flat firing range).

We can first find the initial vertical velocity component vy0v_{y_0} from the initial speed v0=37.9m/sv_0 = 37.9 \, \text{m/s} and the angle of projection θ=43.4\theta = 43.4^\circ:

vy0=v0sin(θ)v_{y_0} = v_0 \sin(\theta)

Now, rearranging the kinematic equation to solve for hh:

h=vy022gh = \frac{v_{y_0}^2}{2g}

Step 1: Calculate vy0v_{y_0}

vy0=37.9m/s×sin(43.4)v_{y_0} = 37.9 \, \text{m/s} \times \sin(43.4^\circ)

Step 2: Substitute vy0v_{y_0} and gg into the height equation.

Let me calculate that for you.The maximum height reached by the projectile is approximately 34.6m34.6 \, \text{m} (to three significant figures).

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you calculate the total time of flight for this projectile?
  2. What is the horizontal distance traveled by the projectile (the range)?
  3. How does changing the angle of projection affect the maximum height?
  4. How would air resistance alter the calculations for the maximum height?
  5. Can you derive the time it takes to reach the maximum height?

Tip: The vertical component of velocity determines how high the projectile will go, while the horizontal component affects how far it will travel.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Projectile Motion
Kinematics
Trigonometry

Formulas

v_y^2 = v_{y_0}^2 - 2g(h - h_0)
v_{y_0} = v_0 * sin(θ)
h = (v_{y_0}^2) / (2g)

Theorems

Kinematic Equations
Trigonometric Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12