Question

A projectile is launched at an upward angle and will land at the same height at which it is launched. The launch angle is 30 degrees, and the velocity magnitude at launch is 17 m/s. What is the initial x-component of velocity at launch in m/s?

a) 0 m/s
b) 8.5 m/s
c) 14.7 m/s
d) 17 m/s

Answer 1

The initial x-component of velocity for a projectile launched at 30 degrees with a speed of 17 m/s is approximately 14.7 m/s, which is option (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the initial x-component of velocity for a projectile launched at a 30-degree angle with an initial speed of 17 m/s, we use the formula:

vx = v * cos(θ)

where vx is the x-component of velocity, v is the initial velocity magnitude, and θ (theta) is the launch angle.

Substituting the given values:

vx = 17 m/s * cos(30°) = 17 m/s * (√3/2) ≈ 14.7 m/s

Therefore, the initial x-component of velocity at launch is 14.7 m/s, which corresponds to option (c).