Max height of projectile using energy conservation

In summary, to find the maximum height of a projectile traveling at 40 m/s and 60 degrees from the horizontal, we can use the conservation of energy principle. This involves splitting the initial velocity into horizontal and vertical components, setting the difference in kinetic energy equal to the difference in potential energy, and solving for the height.
  • #1
frenchy7322
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Homework Statement



find max height of a projectile traveling at 40 m/s 60 degrees from the horizontal using conservation of energy

Homework Equations


KEi + PEi = KEf + PEf?


The Attempt at a Solution



couldnt attempt. (I know I can't be given the answer, but even just the proper equation would be handy, thanks!)
 
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  • #2
Split the initial velocity v into x and y component, vx and vy. At launch the KE is (1/2)*m*v^2, at max height, it only has a vx component, so KE=(1/2)*m*(vx)^2. Set the KE difference equal to the PE difference m*g*h and solve for height h.
 

FAQ: Max height of projectile using energy conservation

What is the equation for calculating the maximum height of a projectile using energy conservation?

The equation for calculating the maximum height of a projectile using energy conservation is h = (v^2 sin^2θ)/(2g), where h is the maximum height, v is the initial velocity, θ is the launch angle, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

How does energy conservation relate to the maximum height of a projectile?

Energy conservation states that the total energy of a system remains constant. In the case of a projectile, the initial kinetic energy is converted into potential energy at the maximum height, and then back into kinetic energy as the projectile falls. This allows us to use energy conservation to calculate the maximum height of the projectile.

What factors affect the maximum height of a projectile?

The maximum height of a projectile is affected by the initial velocity, launch angle, and the acceleration due to gravity. A higher initial velocity and a larger launch angle will result in a greater maximum height, while a greater acceleration due to gravity will result in a lower maximum height.

Can the maximum height of a projectile be greater than the initial height?

No, the maximum height of a projectile cannot be greater than the initial height. This is because the initial height is the maximum height the projectile can reach without any external forces acting on it, and energy conservation states that the total energy of a system remains constant.

How is the maximum height of a projectile affected by air resistance?

Air resistance can decrease the maximum height of a projectile. This is because air resistance acts as a force that opposes the motion of the projectile, causing it to lose kinetic energy and therefore not reach the same maximum height as it would without air resistance.

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