In a local bar, a customer slides an empty beer mug down the counter for a refill. The height of the counter is 1.18 m. The mug slides off the counter and strikes the floor 1.20 m from the base of the counter. With what velocity did the mug leave the counter? What was the direction of the mug's velocity just before it hit the floor?

Question

In a local bar, a customer slides an empty beer mug down the counter for a refill. The height of the counter is 1.18 m. The mug slides off the counter and strikes the floor 1.20 m from the base of the counter.  With what velocity did the mug leave the counter? What was the direction of the mug's velocity just before it hit the floor?

kainui · Answer

I had a similar question on a test a year ago, and it's quite a fun one in my opinion. First off,  any time you attempt a physics problem always always always never be afraid to waste paper. Draw a picture of the scenario and list all the values you have. This will help frame the question in terms of your tool kit you have of equations that you understand/memorized.

|dw:1346896224555:dw|

Now on the picture label your x and y axis and label as many points as you can. I will help you along on this magical journey of physics fun.