Throw the Ball!
Recall the simplified equation for projectile motion:
where denote the initial speed, denotes the initial height, and denotes the gravitational constant on earth.
You are standing away from the basket, which is above the ground. Suppose you are tall and release the ball at this height. What speed should you release the ball at?
Suppose instead you are . At what speed should you throw the ball?
At this speed, what is the maximum height that your ball reaches?
Find the maximum height in terms of , , and .
Suppose the basket is above the ground. Is it possible for you to throw the ball into the basket? Why or why not?