A slingshot is fired with an initial velocity of 100 m/s at an angle of 55° follows a parabolic trajectory and hits a stationary balloon at the top of its path. With what horizontal speed does the slingshot pebble hit the balloon?

The horizontal speed with which the slingshot hits the balloon is approximately 57.358 m/s

Explanation:

The given parameters of the slingshot motion are;

The initial velocity of the slingshot, v = 100 m/s

The angle (to the horizontal) at which the slingshot is fired makes, θ = 55°

The path of the slingshot which hits the stationary balloon at the top of its flight = Parabolic trajectory

The horizontal component of the velocity = vₓ = v·cos(θ) = Constant

vₓ = 100 × cos(55°) ≈ 57.358

The horizontal speed with which the slingshot hits the balloon = vₓ ≈ 57.358 m/s.