Math Problem Statement

A projectile is launched with an initial velocity of magnitude v₀ that makes an angle θ₀ with the horizontal. The speed of this projectile when it reaches the maximum height is equal to:

Solution

The question describes a projectile motion problem. When a projectile is launched with an initial velocity v0v_0 at an angle θ0\theta_0 to the horizontal, its motion can be decomposed into horizontal and vertical components:

  • The initial horizontal velocity is:
    v0x=v0cosθ0v_{0x} = v_0 \cos \theta_0
  • The initial vertical velocity is:
    v0y=v0sinθ0v_{0y} = v_0 \sin \theta_0

At the maximum height of the projectile's motion:

  • The vertical velocity becomes zero because gravity causes the upward motion to stop before the projectile starts descending.
  • However, the horizontal velocity v0xv_{0x} remains constant because there is no horizontal acceleration (assuming air resistance is negligible).

Thus, the speed of the projectile at the maximum height is equal to its horizontal velocity: vmax height=v0cosθ0v_{\text{max height}} = v_0 \cos \theta_0

Final Answer:

The speed of the projectile at its maximum height is: vmax height=v0cosθ0v_{\text{max height}} = v_0 \cos \theta_0

Would you like a detailed explanation of the derivation or more examples of projectile motion?

Here are 5 questions for further exploration:

  1. How do we calculate the total time of flight for a projectile?
  2. What is the maximum height achieved by the projectile?
  3. How does air resistance affect the projectile's motion and speed at the maximum height?
  4. How can we determine the horizontal range of the projectile?
  5. What are the effects of varying the launch angle on the trajectory?

Tip: Remember that the horizontal and vertical motions in projectile problems are independent. Always treat them separately!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Projectile Motion
Kinematics
Trigonometry

Formulas

v₀ₓ = v₀ cos(θ₀)
v₀ᵧ = v₀ sin(θ₀)
v_max_height = v₀ cos(θ₀)

Theorems

Independence of horizontal and vertical motion in projectile motion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12