A projectile is fired from ground level with an initial speed of 55.6 m/s at an angle of 41.2° above the horizontal. (a) Determine the time necessary for the projectile to reach its maximum height. (b) Determine the maximum height reached by the projectile. (c) Determine the horizontal and vertical components of the velocity vector at the maximum height. (d) Determine the horizontal and vertical components of the acceleration vector at the maximum heigh

(a) t = 3.74 s

(b) H = 136.86 m

(c) Vₓ = 41.83 m/s,  Vy = 0 m/s

(d) ax = 0 m/s²,  ay = 9.8 m/s²

Explanation:

(a)

Time to reach maximum height by the projectile is given as:

t = V₀ Sinθ/g

where,

V₀ = Launching Speed = 55.6 m/s

Angle with Horizontal = θ = 41.2°

g = 9.8 m/s²

Therefore,

t = (55.6 m/s)(Sin 41.2°)/(9.8 m/s²)

t = 3.74 s

(b)

Maximum height reached by projectile is:

H = V₀² Sin²θ/g

H = (55.6 m/s)² (Sin²41.2°)/(9.8 m/s²)

H = 136.86 m

(c)

Neglecting the air resistance, the horizontal component of velocity remains constant. This component can be evaluated by the formula:

Vₓ = V₀ₓ = V₀ Cos θ

Vₓ = (55.6 m/s)(Cos 41.2°)

Vₓ = 41.83 m/s

Since, the projectile stops momentarily in vertical direction at the highest point. Therefore, the vertical component of velocity will be zero at the highest point.

Vy = 0 m/s

(d)

Since, the horizontal component of velocity is uniform. Thus there is no acceleration in horizontal direction.

ax = 0 m/s²

The vertical component of acceleration is always equal to the acceleration due to gravity during projectile motion:

ay = 9.8 m/s²