Projectile motion of a volleyball

[majormuss]

Homework Statement

A volleyball hit into the air has an initial speed of 10. meters per second. Which vector best represents the
angle above the horizontal that the ball should be hit to remain in the air for the greatest amount of time?
1)90 degree above horizontal 2) 60 above horizontal 3) 45 degree above horizontal 4) 30 degree above horizontal

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

i chose '3'... which is it? and why?

 

[Matterwave]

Be careful what the question asks. The question is which one will allow the ball to remain in the air the longest, not travel the farthest distance.

Use your intuition. For problems like this, that's all you need. If I throw a ball, either horizontal, at an angle, or straight up, which one will remain in the air the longest?

 

[kerimek]

I cannot give a definitive answer without more information. The angle above the horizontal that the ball should be hit depends on a variety of factors such as air resistance, elevation, and the height and distance of the target. However, in general, a 45 degree angle above the horizontal would provide the longest flight time for a projectile with an initial speed of 10 meters per second. This is because at a 45 degree angle, the initial velocity is split equally between the vertical and horizontal components, maximizing the time the ball spends in the air before reaching its highest point and falling back down. This is known as the optimal angle for maximum range in projectile motion. However, the specific angle may vary depending on the specific conditions and goals of the situation.