In 2007, michael carter (u. s.) set a world record in the shot put with a throw of 24.77 m. what was the initial speed of the shot if he released it at a height of 2.10 m and threw it at an angle of 38.0º above the horizontal? (although the maximum distance for a projectile on level ground is achieved at 45º when air resistance is neglected, the actual angle to achieve maximum range is smaller; thus, 38º will give a longer range than 45º in the shot put.)

The initial speed of the shot is 15.02 m/s.

The Shot put is released at a height y from the ground with a speed u. It is released at an angle θ to the horizontal. In a time t, the shot put travels a distance R horizontally.

Pl refer to the attached diagram.

Resolve the velocity u into horizontal and vertical components, u ₓ=ucosθ and uy=u sinθ. The horizontal component remains constant in the absence of air resistance, while the vertical component varies due to the action of the gravitational force.

Write an expression for R.

Therefore,

In the time t, the net displacement of the shotput is y in the downward direction.

Use the equation of motion,

Substitute the value of t from equation (1).

Substitute -2.10 m for y, 24.77 m for R and 38.0° for θ and solve for u.

The shot put was thrown with a speed 15.02 m/s.