The equation Vf = √u² + 2gh provides a useful tool for calculating the final velocity of an object in projectile motion when it strikes the ground, as long as the necessary assumptions are met.
The final velocity (Vf) of an object in projectile motion when it strikes the ground. Here's how each variable contributes:
Vf: This represents the final velocity of the object when it hits the ground.
u: This represents the initial velocity of the object when it is launched.
g: This represents the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth.
h: This represents the height from which the object is launched.
Therefore, the equation tells us that the final velocity of the object when it strikes the ground depends on both its initial velocity and the height from which it is launched.
The term √u² represents the kinetic energy of the object due to its initial velocity, while the term 2gh represents the potential energy gained due to the object's height.
In projectile motion, these two energies are constantly being converted between each other, and the final velocity is a result of this energy conversion.
Here are some key points to remember:
This equation is only valid for objects falling freely under the influence of gravity and neglecting air resistance.
If the object is launched upward, the initial velocity (u) will be negative.
The final velocity will always be positive regardless of the direction of the initial velocity.
The higher the initial velocity (u) or the greater the height (h), the higher the final velocity (Vf) will be.