Question

A gazelle is launched out of a cannon at 45 m/s at an angle of 50 degrees. What is its y-component (vy)?

A) 45 m/s
B) 0 m/s
C) 30 m/s
D) 35 m/s

Answer 1

The y-component of the gazelle's velocity is calculated using the sine of the launch angle and the initial speed. The correct y-component of the speed is 45 m/s multiplied by the sine of 50 degrees, which corresponds to option C) 30 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the vertical component of the gazelle's velocity (vy), we use the sine function of the launch angle. Since the gazelle is being launched at a speed of 45 m/s at an angle of 50 degrees, the y-component of the velocity is calculated as follows:

vy = v × sin(θ)

Plugging in the values:

vy = 45 m/s × sin(50°)

This calculation results in the y-component of the initial velocity, which corresponds to option C).