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Range and Max Height

Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 36 of 94.

On level ground the flight is symmetric:

T = 2 v0 sin θ / g, R = v0 cos θ · T, H = (v0 sin θ)² / 2g

T: time in the air, R: range, H: maximum height.

At the same speed, 30° and 60° give the same range; 60° climbs higher and stays up longer.

Two paths launched from the same point at the same speed, one at 60 degrees and one at 30 degrees. Both land at the same distance R; the 60 degree path rises much higher, to the height H.

Same speed, 30° and 60°: same range R, different maximum height H.

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Challenge

A golf ball is hit at 30° above level ground and lands T = 3 s later. Find its launch speed v_0.

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