Question

An anti-aircraft shell is fired vertically upward with a muzzle velocity of 100m/s. Calculate the maximum height it can attain

Answer 1

According to the energy conservation law, the initial kinetic energy of the shell is equal to its potential energy at maximum height:

$$\dfrac{mv^2}{2} = mgh$$

where $v = 100m/s, g = 9.8m/s^2,$ $m$ is the mass of the shell, and $h$ is the maximum height. Expressing $h$, obtain:

$$h = \dfrac{v^2}{2g} = \dfrac{100^2}{2\cdot 9.8} \approx 510m$$

Answer. 510 m.