An apple falls straight down from an apple tree growing on a 20° slope.The apple hits the ground with a speed of 16.2 m/s.What is the component of the apple's impact velocity parallel to the ground?
A)5.5 m/s
B)8.7 m/s
C)12 m/s
D)15 m/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The component of the apple's impact velocity parallel to the ground is equal to the horizontal component of its initial velocity. The horizontal component of the initial velocity is equal to the product of the initial speed and the sine of the angle of the slope. Therefore, the horizontal component of the initial velocity is equal to 16.2 m/s * sin(20°) = 5.5 m/s.

An Apple Falls Straight Down from an Apple Tree Growing