Quick Projectile Motion question (1 Viewer)

[NubMuncher]

When trying to find the maximum height of a projectile, do you let the velocity component of x or y equal zero? Is it both that equal zero as at the particular moment in question, the projectile is stationary?

Any clarification appreciated : )

 

[Drongoski]

When it reaches max height does the particle keep going? If so (overall) velocity cannot be zero. So which part must be 0? The one going up & down or the one going horizontally?

 

[NubMuncher]

Right so it has to be velocity of y being zero?

 

[Drongoski]

Yes.

The overall velocity has, if you like, y-component (up/down) and the x-comp. The y-comp, when projectile is being fired, has a max value but keeps slowing down because of gravity. So sooner or later, this upward y-component slows down to 0 and immediately after that gravity takes over completely - so velocity is now downwards and increasing in magnitude (g is the downward acceleration). Under the simple model of projectile motion there is no resistance or other impediments. So the x-component stays unchanged throughout the journey because there is no help/hindrance in that direction..

 

[NubMuncher]

Thanks rep for you : D