Final answer:
The initial speed of a projectile using kinematics can be found using separate equations for horizontal and vertical motion, such as x = xo + Vxt and y = yo + voyt - 1/2gt². Energy methods require using conservation of energy, with the formula PE_final = KE_initial - PE_initial.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the initial speed of a projectile using kinematics, we start by analyzing the horizontal and vertical components of the motion separately. For horizontal motion, we assume a constant velocity and use the equation x = xo + Vxt, where x is the horizontal displacement (m), xo is the initial horizontal position which is typically zero (m), Vx is the horizontal velocity (m/s), and t is the time (s). For vertical motion, we use the equation y = yo + voyt - 1/2gt², where y is the vertical displacement (m), yo is the initial vertical position (m), voy is the initial vertical velocity (m/s), g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.80 m/s²), and t is again the time (s).
Using energy methods to find initial speed involves conservation of mechanical energy. The formula is KE_initial + PE_initial = KE_final + PE_final, where KE is kinetic energy and PE is potential energy. Assuming we are calculating the initial speed at launch, and taking the reference point for zero gravitational potential energy at the launch position, the energy formula can be rearranged to PE_final = KE_initial - PE_initial when the projectile is at a maximum height, h. Since KE_initial is the initial kinetic energy, PE_final is the final potential energy at height h, which equals mgh, m is projectile mass (kg), and g is acceleration due to gravity (9.80 m/s²).