Determine the launch speed of a horizontally launched cannonball that lands 26.3 meters from the base of a 19.3 meter high cliff.

The cannon has an initial speed of 13.25 m/s.

Explanation:

The launched cannonball is an example of a projectile. Thus, its launch speed can be determined by the application of the formula;

R = u

Where: R is the range of the projectile, u is its initial speed, H is the height of the cliff and g is the gravitaty.

R = 26.3 m, H = 19.3 m, g = 9.8 m/.

So that:

26.3 = u

= x

691.69 =   x

=

   =

= 175.6104

⇒ u =

  = 13.2518

u = 13.25 m/s

The initial speed of the cannon is 13.25 m/s.