Physics

This is a vertical motion problem where you need to track how the $y$-component of velocity changes from launch to landing. The key insight is that you don't need to find the time of flight first—instead, use the kinematic equation that relates velocity, acceleration, and displacement directly: $v_y^2 = v_{0y}^2 + 2a\Delta y$. This lets you jump straight to the final answer by accounting for the initial upward velocity component, gravitational acceleration, and the total vertical distance traveled.

This is a vertical motion problem where you need to track how the $y$-component of velocity changes from launch to landing. The key insight is that you don't need to find the time of flight first—instead, use the kinematic equation that relates velocity, acceleration, and displacement directly: $v_y^2 = v_{0y}^2 + 2a\Delta y$. This lets you jump straight to the final answer by accounting for the initial upward velocity component, gravitational acceleration, and the total vertical distance traveled.