A soccer ball on flat ground is kicked at an angle of 60 o to the horizontal with a speed of

25m/s. What is the maximum height of the ball above the ground?
Step 1: Draw a diagram.
Sketch a diagram of the projectile motion.

Do

Hint

How to draw diagrams of projectile motion for this scenario

Step 2: Select the correct equation from the formulae sheet.

Do
Hint

Select the equation

v y =u y + 2a y y

from the formulae sheet.

How to select the correct equation from the formulae sheet

Step 3: Rearrange the equation to make

2

Do
Hint

Write

v u y
y= y
2 ay

Explanation of the algebra involved in rearranging an equation

Step 4: Rewrite the equation to include

Do

the subject of the equation.

Rewrite the equation as

y max =

y max

v y 2u y2
2ay
y .

Hint

The vertical direction is represented by the letter

Hint

The displacement from the starting point is represented by the symbol

Hint

The maximum height above the ground is represented by

Step 5: Substitute the value for

Do

Rewrite the equation as

vy

into the equation.

02u y2
y max =
2ay

y max

y .

Hint
Hint

The ball slows down as it travels upwards

At the top of its flight, the vertical speed is zero

Hint

The letter

Hint

The final velocity in the vertical direction is represented by the letter

Hint
Hint

v y =0

represents the final velocity

vy

at the maximum height

Explanation of the algebra involved in substituting a value into an equation

Step 6: Simplify the equation.

Do

Rewrite the equation as

2

Hint

0 =0

Hint

0x=x

Hint

u y2
y max =
2 ay

Explanation of the algebra involved in simplifying an equation

Step 7: Calculate the vertical component of the initial velocity.

u y =21.65064 m s1

Do

Calculate

Hint

m s1

Hint

u y =25 sin ( 60 )

Hint
Hint

is another way of writing m/s.

Explanation of vector components

Explanation of what vectors are
Step 8: Substitute the vertical component of the initial velocity into the equation.

Do
Hint

Rewrite the equation as

y max =

( 21.65064 )
2 ay

Explanation of the algebra involved in substituting a value into an equation

Step 9: Substitute the value for the acceleration in the vertical direction into the
equation.

Do

Rewrite the equation as

( 21.65064 )2
y max =
2 (9.8 )

Hint

The vertical direction is represented by the letter

Hint

Acceleration is represented by the symbol

y .

Hint
Hint
Hint
Hint

Acceleration in the vertical direction is represented by the symbol

Explanation of how to find the value for acceleration due to gravity from the
formula sheet
Explanation of the negative sign in -9.8
Explanation of the algebra involved in substituting a value into an equation
Step 10: Calculate

Do
Hint

ay

Calculate

y max

y max =23.91583

Explanation of how to use a calculator

Step 11: Write the value of

y max

to the correct number of significant figures and

the standard units.

Do
Hint
Hint
Hint

y max =24 m
Explanation of how to determine the correct number of significant figures
Explanation of what significant figures are
Explanation of the standard units of length