Answer: 17.7 meters per second
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Step-by-step explanation:
When starting at a height of 0, and initial velocity v, the equation of projectile motion is
y = -4.9x^2 + v*x
Where x is the time in seconds and y is the height at time x.
The vertex (h,k) of this parabola is the highest point. In general the vertex has its x coordinate at h = -b/(2a), so,
h = -b/(2a)
h = -v/(2*(-4.9))
h = v/(9.8)
Plug this into the first equation shown above. Also, plug in y = 16. Solve for v.
So we get the following.
y = -4.9x^2 + v*x
16 = -4.9(v/9.8)^2 + v*(v/9.8)
16 = (-5/98)v^2 + (5/49)v^2
16 = (-5/98)v^2 + (10/98)v^2
16 = (-5/98+10/98)v^2
16 = (5/98)v^2
(5/98)v^2 = 16
v^2 = 16*(98/5)
v^2 = 313.6
v = sqrt(313.6)
v = 17.708754896943
v = 17.7
The starting velocity must be roughly 17.7 meters per second.