A person throws a discus (mass = 2 kg) at an angle of 40o to the horizontal with a velocity of 20 m/s. Neglect air resistance for these questions.
a) What is the mechanical energy of the discus at release (relativeto the ground) and just prior to contact with the ground (assume no rotational energy)?
b) Calculate the distance the object travelled horizontally priorto ground contact if the discus was released 1.5 m above the ground.
c) Are these reasonable calculations to make (i.e. are the answersto part a and b going to be some what accurate)?