Two balls thrown at the same speed from the same height

In summary: You can use this equation for each ball, just remember that the initial position is different for each.In summary, two balls are thrown from the top of a cliff with equal speeds, one at an angle above the horizontal and the other at an angle below. By using the equation x-x0=vt + 1/2at2 and considering only the vertical component, it can be shown that both balls will strike the ground with the same speed. This speed can be found in terms of h and the initial speed v0 using the equation v=√(v0^2cos^2(ø) +[h/t]^2), where g is the acceleration due to gravity.
  • #1
pelmel92
19
0

Homework Statement



Two balls are thrown with equal speeds from the top of a cliff of height h. One ball is thrown at an angle of α above the horizontal. The other ball is thrown at an angle of β below the horizontal. Show that each ball strikes the ground with the same speed. (Do this on paper. Your instructor may ask you to turn in this work.)

Find that speed in terms of h and the initial speed v0. (Ignore any effects due to air resistance.) (Use any variable or symbol stated above along with the following as necessary: g for the acceleration due to gravity.)
v =

Homework Equations



V= at + v_0

The Attempt at a Solution



v=√(v_0^2cos^2(ø) +[h/t]^2)

im just plain stuck here... not even sure if I am interpreting the q correctly, and if i am then i can't figure out how to get rid of that time variable... HELP
 
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  • #2
You basically want to write an equation for the velocity of each ball, and show that at a height of zero they are equal. You are only concerned with the vertical component, so this will involve using the sine function.

Remember that measuring from the horizontal, sin(a) is a positive quantity and sin(β) is negative. Also, I think you should use this equation:

x-x0=vt + 1/2at2 where a = -9.8m/s/s.
 

Related to Two balls thrown at the same speed from the same height

What is the initial velocity of the two balls?

The initial velocity of the two balls is the same because they are thrown at the same speed from the same height.

Will the two balls reach the ground at the same time?

Yes, the two balls will reach the ground at the same time because they were thrown at the same speed from the same height and gravity affects all objects equally.

How does air resistance affect the motion of the two balls?

Air resistance will affect the motion of the two balls differently depending on their shape and surface area. However, in this scenario where the two balls have the same speed and are thrown from the same height, air resistance will not have a significant impact on their motion.

What is the trajectory of the two balls?

The trajectory of the two balls will be symmetrical, following a parabolic path due to the force of gravity pulling them downward.

How can we calculate the final velocity of the two balls?

The final velocity of the two balls can be calculated using the equation v = u + at, where v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity (which is the same for both balls), a is the acceleration due to gravity, and t is the time it takes for the balls to reach the ground (which is the same for both balls).

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