A ball thrown horizontally traveled a vertical distance of 20 m while moving horizontally a distance of 10 m. What is the initial horizontal velocity of the ball?

Answer 1

Horizontal component of the velocity of the ball is constant, hence,

R = v₀ t, (1)

where R = 10 m - distance in horizontal direction,

t - time of flight.

On the other hand, in vertical direction

h = 1/2 gt², (2)

here h = 20 m - distance travelled in vertical direction.

From this equation

t = √2h / g (3)

And it is

t = √2 x 20 /10 = 2 (s)

From formula (1)

v₀ = R / t.

After substitution of all values, we have finally

v₀ = 10 m / 2 s = 5 m/s

Answer: 5 m/s