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A question on projectile motion?

A cannon is fired at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal from a cliff that is 20m above a flat river bottom. What is the initial speed of the projectile if it is found to land 40m from the base of the cliff?

Thanks!

Update:

Can anyone kindly explain why Julian made y a 0? Thanks again!

2 Answers

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  • Julian
    Lv 6
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Vi = initial speed

    g = 9.8 m/s²

    x = (Vicos30)t ==>40 = (Vicos30)t ==> t = 40/(Vicos30)

    y = 20 + (Visin30)t - gt²/2

    ------------

    0 = 20 + (Visin30)40/(vicos30) - 9.8(40/(Vicos30))²/2

    0 = 20 + 40tan30 - 7840/(Vicos30)²

    Vi = 15.57m/s ==> answer

    # the vertical distance y = 0 because the horizontal distance 40 m is obtained at the river level ==> y = 0

  • Anonymous
    9 years ago

    Are you given a time?

    Source(s): Me
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