A projectile is fired at an angle above the level ground. Where does it have maximum kinetic energy? Is it right when it leaves the launcher and right before it hits the ground?

Question

Physics

Sheldon Crosby

14 May, 00:45

A projectile is fired at an angle above the level ground. Where does it have maximum kinetic energy? Is it right when it leaves the launcher and right before it hits the ground?

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Huber · Answer 1

You can approach this problem in an analytical way. The formula for kinetic energy is 1/2*mv². Throughout the projectile motion, mass is constant. Therefore, it wholly depends on the velocity. So, the maximum kinetic energy is when the object travels the fastest. This is right when it leaves the launcher, and the moment just before it hits the ground.