Question : Show that there are two values of time for which a projectile is at the same height. Also show that the sum of these two times is equal to the time of flight.
Doubt by Yana
Solution :
Consider the vertical motion of the projectile
s=ut+½at²
sy=uyt+½ayt²
y=usinθt+½(-g)t²
y=usinθt-½gt²
½gt²-usinθt+y=0
Multiply both sides by 2
gt²-2usinθt+2y=0
This is a quadratic equation with variable t.
Here
a=g
b=-2usinθ
c=2y
D(Discriminate) = b²-4ac
D=(-2usinθ)²-4(g)(2y)
D=4u²sin²θ-8gy
D>0
So, except at the peak and initial/final points, there are two different times for the same height h one during ascent (going up) and one during descent (going down).
Let these two times be t1 and t2
We know
sum of zeroes = -b/a
t1+t2 = -(-2usinθ)/g
t1+t2=2using/g
t1+t2=T (Time of flight)
Hence Proved.