3-Dimensional Projectile Motion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of 3-dimensional projectile motion, particularly focusing on how to calculate the z-coordinate of a projectile that is rotating around the y-axis, using a sprinkler as an example. Participants explore various aspects of motion, including the effects of rotation and the inclusion of kinetic energy in their analyses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equations for x and y coordinates in 2-dimensional motion and asks how to calculate the z-coordinate for a rotating system.
  • Another participant suggests avoiding the Cartesian coordinate system without specifying an alternative.
  • There is a question about the nature of the rotation, with one participant asking for clarification on what is rotating.
  • One participant proposes that a spinning rigid body is typically described by six coordinates, including three for translation and three Euler angles for rotation.
  • A participant expresses a lack of formal physics education and inquires about the type of course that would cover these concepts.
  • Another participant mentions the absence of outside forces besides gravity in their consideration of the problem.
  • There is a discussion about the formula for kinetic energy, with one participant questioning why it does not include rotational or orbital motion.
  • One participant provides a formula for angular kinetic energy and discusses the analysis of water leaving a sprinkler, noting that it moves in a straight line after leaving the jets.
  • Another participant expresses interest in the energy analysis of the rotating sprinkler, suggesting it is complex and depends on the shape and mass distribution of the sprinkler.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the calculations and concepts related to 3-dimensional projectile motion and kinetic energy. There is no consensus on the best approach to calculate the z-coordinate or the inclusion of rotation in kinetic energy formulas, indicating multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the complexity of analyzing motion in a rotating system and the challenges of incorporating rotational dynamics into kinetic energy calculations. There are also references to assumptions about external forces and the need for a deeper understanding of the physics involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in classical mechanics, particularly those exploring projectile motion, rotational dynamics, and kinetic energy concepts.

amcavoy
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I know in 2-dimensions, the x coordinate is represented by

[tex]x=v_{0}\cos{(\theta)}t,[/tex]

and the y coodinate is represented by

[tex]y=-\frac{1}{2}gt^2+v_{0}\sin{(\theta)}t+h.[/tex]

How would you calculuate the z coordinate if it was rotating around the y axis? For example; a sprinkler.

Thanks for your help.
 
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alexmcavoy@gmail.com said:
I know in 2-dimensions, the x coordinate is represented by

[tex]x=v_{0}\cos{(\theta)}t,[/tex]

and the y coodinate is represented by

[tex]y=-\frac{1}{2}gt^2+v_{0}\sin{(\theta)}t+h.[/tex]

How would you calculuate the z coordinate if it was rotating around the y axis? For example; a sprinkler.

Thanks for your help.

I wouldn't use cartesian coordinates system if I were you...

Zz.
 
What would you use? Even if there was a better way, I am interested in how it would be defined in rec. coordinates.

Thanks again.
 
Are u thinking of a spinning (finite size) projectile wondering through the (viscous,moving,nonisothermal,nonisobaric) atmosphere,in the nonconstant nonhomogenous gravitational field created by a rotating Earth??

Daniel.
 
I'm thinking of no outside forces besides gravity.
 
Anyway,a spinning rigid body is typically discribed by 6 coordinates:the 3 cartesian for the CM (parametrize the body's translation) and the 3 Euler angles (parametrize the body's rotations).

Daniel.
 
Ok well, I haven't had a physics class before, so what I know is strictly what I have read out of a book (which isn't much). What type of physics class would I learn these types of things in?
 
A college course in classical mechanics in Newtonian formulation.

Daniel.
 
  • #10
amcavoy said:
I'm thinking of no outside forces besides gravity.

I was also wondering why I can't find a formula for kinetic energy that INCLUDES motion such as rotation or even a variable orbit? I admit I haven't seen a classroom in 15yrs. So if anyone can update me?
 
  • #11
amcavoy said:
I know in 2-dimensions, the x coordinate is represented by

[tex]x=v_{0}\cos{(\theta)}t,[/tex]

and the y coodinate is represented by

[tex]y=-\frac{1}{2}gt^2+v_{0}\sin{(\theta)}t+h.[/tex]

How would you calculuate the z coordinate if it was rotating around the y axis? For example; a sprinkler.

Thanks for your help.


I'd love to hear your answer on this as I too was wondering why Newtons EK Kinetic Energy does not include rotating or orbital objects. Keep me posted? thanks MJL
 
  • #12
How about K = (1/2)Iw^2. Where K is the angular kinetic energy, I is the moment of inertia of the rotating object, and w, it should be omega, is the angular velocity.

If you are trying to analyze the angular kinetic energy of water that leaves a sprinkler I can help you out there. It is zero. Once it leaves the jets it goes in a straight line. If you want to analyze what happens to the water once it leaves the jets it is best done by getting its velocity at the moment it leaves. Then you reduce it to a two dimensional analysis using y = (1/2)at^2 + vtsin(theta) + c, and x = vcos(theta) + d. Where c and d are the initial y and x values and v is the initial velocity.

The energy analysis of the rotating sprinkler is a bit more complex. It all depends on the shape of it and its mass distribution. But from your question I believe that you wanted to analyze the water once it left the sprinkler, I may be wrong.
 

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