In 2007, Michael Carter (U. S.) set a world record in the shot put with a throw of 24.77 m. What was the initial speed of the shot if he released it at a height of 2.10 m and threw it at an angle of 38.0o above the horizontal

The horizontal displacement of throw = 24.77 m

vertical displacement of throw = 2.1 m

Let u be the initial speed of throw.

vertical component = u sin38

=.6156 u

horizontal component of speed of throw = u cos 38

=.788 u

Let t be time of flight.

For horizontal displacement

24.77 =.788 u t

t = 24.77 /.788 u

For vertical displacement : --

s = ut + gt²

2.1 = -.6156 u t + 4.9 t²

= -.6156 u x (24.77 /.788 u) + 4.9 x t²

2.1 = - 19.35 + 4.9 t²

21.45 = 4.9 t²

t = 2.1 s

t = 24.77 /.788 u

u = 24.77 /.788 t

= 14.96 m / s