A golf ball is hit at an angle θ=45° to the horizontal with an initial speed v0. A vertical wall of height h=10m lies a distance d=20m away. Determine the minimum initial speed v0 required for the ball to clear the wall. Air resistance is negligible.

(I have a picture of a full explanation saved on my computer and I can show this or recreate using the whiteboard during interview if required.)
Physics: Newton's 2nd Law, 'suvat' equations.
Setting up problem:
1.Sketch problem.
2.Draw free-body diagram for golf ball.
3.Draw coordinate system.
Key Idea: Deal with horizontal and vertical forces independently to simplify problem.
Newton 2 in horizontal direction leads to expression horizontal distance x = v0tcosθ.
Newton 2 + 'suvat' leads to expression vertical distance y = v0tsinθ - (1/2)gt2.
Combine to eliminate t and obtain expression y = xtanθ - gx2/2v02cos2θ.
For minimum clearance of wall path crosses top of wall i.e. point (x=d, y=h). Sub in values for d=20m, h=10m, θ=45°, g=9.8ms-2. Final answer: v0 = 20ms-1 (2 sig. fig.)

Related Physics Scottish Highers answers

All answers ▸

A launcher 1m tall fires tennis balls with a velocity of 15m/s at an angle of 20 degrees from horizontal. Neglecting air resistance, calculate the maximum height, time of flight and distance traveled by the ball.


A circuit with a cell of voltage 6V and two resistors of resistance 6 Ohms each connected in parallel. What is the current through the Cell?


A tall 2 meter tall basketball player shoots for the net that stands 3 meters from the ground. If he throws he ball from head height at an angle of 60 degrees and the ball travels at 10 meters per second, how far away is the hoop?


In a lab a hydrogen spectral line is observed to have a wavelength of 656nm. This line is observed in a distance galaxy to have a wavelength of 661nm, what is the recessional velocity of the galaxy?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences