What is the Maximum Altitude of a Bullet Fired Straight Up?

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In summary, the conversation is about trying to find the maximum altitude of a bullet shot straight up into the air on New Year's Eve. The person has attempted to use multiple formulas but is missing some variables. However, they realize that the final velocity at the top is 0, meaning they are not missing any variables. The final solution is to use the equation vf^2=vi^2+2ax, with acceleration being gravity, to find the displacement, which is the maximum height of the bullet.
  • #1
Arbitrary
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I tried this question multiple times, but now I've become stuck.

A person shoots a gun straight up into the air on New Year's Eve. The velocity at which the bullet leaves is 3.00 x 10^2 m/s. What is the maximum altitude of the bullet?


Here's what I've tried:

I attempted to apply the x=1/2(vi+vf)t formula, but it's missing some variables, namely vf, t, and the displacement. I've also tried to find the final velocity through vf=vi+at, but then I'm missing the time. Then I tried to get the final velocity with vf^2=vi^2+2ax, but I'm now missing the displacement. I must be not seeing something very obvious here.

EDIT: Ahh...gods. I have just realized something. vf = 0 when the bullet reaches the top. Silly me--that means it's not missing any variables.
 
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  • #2
Arbitrary said:
Then I tried to get the final velocity with vf^2=vi^2+2ax, but I'm now missing the displacement. I must be not seeing something very obvious here.

You're missing the displacement because that is what the problem is asking for. The displacement is the maximum height that the bullet reaches. Use that equation, with accleration being gravity.

EDIT: OK!
 
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  • #3
Heh, thanks for the help anyways. :)
 

FAQ: What is the Maximum Altitude of a Bullet Fired Straight Up?

What is "Simple 1-D Kinematics"?

"Simple 1-D Kinematics" is a branch of physics that deals with the motion of objects in a straight line, without taking into account the forces that may be acting on the object.

What are the basic equations used in "Simple 1-D Kinematics"?

The basic equations used in "Simple 1-D Kinematics" are the equations of motion:
1. v = u + at
2. s = ut + 1/2at^2
3. v^2 = u^2 + 2as
Where v is final velocity, u is initial velocity, a is acceleration, t is time, and s is displacement.

What is the difference between speed and velocity in "Simple 1-D Kinematics"?

Speed is the rate at which an object moves, while velocity is the speed of an object in a specific direction. In "Simple 1-D Kinematics", the velocity of an object moving in a straight line will only have one value, while the speed may vary.

How does "Simple 1-D Kinematics" relate to real-life situations?

"Simple 1-D Kinematics" can be used to analyze the motion of various objects in real-life situations, such as the motion of a car on a straight road, the motion of a ball thrown in the air, or the motion of a pendulum. It can also be used to calculate the speed and distance traveled in sports, such as running or cycling.

What are the key concepts to understand in order to solve "Simple 1-D Kinematics" problems?

The key concepts to understand in "Simple 1-D Kinematics" are displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time. It is also important to know the difference between speed and velocity, and how to use the equations of motion to solve for different variables. Additionally, understanding the concept of average and instantaneous values is crucial in solving problems in "Simple 1-D Kinematics".

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