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Launch at an Angle

Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 38 of 97.

Launched at v0\relax v_0 and an angle θ\theta, split the velocity into components:

v0x=v0cos⁡θ,v0y=v0sin⁡θv_{0x} = v_0 \cos\theta, \quad v_{0y} = v_0 \sin\theta

The horizontal part stays the same. The vertical part drops by 9.8 m/s9.8\ \mathrm{m/s} every second and is zero at the top, where the ball still moves sideways.

A ball launched from the ground at angle theta with velocity v0, split into a horizontal part vx and a vertical part vy. At the top of its curved path the velocity is horizontal and equal to vx.

At the top the vertical part is zero; the horizontal part is still vx.

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Challenge

A fireworks shell is launched at 39.2 m/s39.2\ \mathrm{m/s} at 30∘30^\circ above the ground. Find the time tt it takes to reach the top of its path.

Try it yourself

Physics diagram: path, ball, vec; arrows v 0 = 39.2 m/s

Solve for tt

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This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

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