1. Understand the Physics
* Projectile Motion: The golf ball's motion is a classic example of projectile motion. This means it's influenced by gravity, causing it to follow a parabolic path.
* Vertical Motion: The maximum height is determined by the vertical component of the initial velocity.
2. Break Down the Initial Velocity
* Vertical Component (vy): vy = v * sin(θ)
* v = initial speed (31 m/s)
* θ = launch angle (35°)
* vy = 31 m/s * sin(35°) ≈ 17.75 m/s
3. Use the Kinematic Equation
* The relevant kinematic equation for vertical motion is:
* vf² = vi² + 2 * a * Δy
* Where:
* vf = final vertical velocity (0 m/s at the maximum height)
* vi = initial vertical velocity (17.75 m/s)
* a = acceleration due to gravity (-9.8 m/s²)
* Δy = maximum height (what we want to find)
4. Solve for Maximum Height
* Substitute the known values into the equation and solve for Δy:
* 0² = (17.75 m/s)² + 2 * (-9.8 m/s²) * Δy
* 0 = 315.06 m²/s² - 19.6 m/s² * Δy
* 19.6 m/s² * Δy = 315.06 m²/s²
* Δy = 315.06 m²/s² / 19.6 m/s²
* Δy ≈ 16.07 meters
Therefore, the maximum height attained by the golf ball is approximately 16.07 meters.