Question

A bullet is shot from a gun at an angle of 30° it’s horizontal component is 40 m/s what is the actual velocity? Make sure your calculator is in degree mode

Answer 1

Hello!

The answer is:

`46.19(m)/(s)`

Why?

Since we know the angle and the horizontal component (x-axis component) of the initial velocity, we can calculate the actual velocity (initial velocity) using the following equation:

`Vo_(x)=Vo*Cos\alpha`

Where:

`Vo_(x)=40(m)/(s)\\Vo= Initial velocity\\\alpha = angle= 30 (degrees)`

So, from the equation we can calculate Vo,

`Vo_(x)=Vo*Cos\alpha\\\\(Vo_(x))/(Cos\alpha)=Vo`

Then, by substituting we have:

`Vo=(40(m)/(s) )/(Cos30)=(40(m)/(s))/(0.866)=46.19(m)/(s)`

Have a nice day!