Parametric plot / I just need to check my work (quick)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the parametric equations for the motion of a baseball, specifically focusing on the horizontal and vertical coordinates defined by the equations x(t) and y(t). The parameters include the initial speed, angle of elevation, and gravitational acceleration, with specific values provided for each variable.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the expected shapes of the graphs based on the equations provided, questioning the original poster's results. There is an exploration of the potential reasons for discrepancies in the plotted graphs, including unit inconsistencies and command usage in Mathematica.

Discussion Status

Participants have identified expected outcomes for the plots and have noted a possible unit error in the original poster's description. Some guidance has been offered regarding the expected shapes of the graphs, and the original poster has acknowledged the need to revisit their Mathematica command.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has indicated a typo regarding the units of initial speed, which may affect the interpretation of the results. There is also mention of broken image links that hinder the review of the graphs.

DivGradCurl
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[tex]x(t)= \left( u\cos A \right) t[/tex]

and

[tex]y(t)= \left( u\sin A \right) t - \frac{gt^2}{2} + h[/tex]

represent the horizontal and vertical coordinates of a batted or thrown baseball. [tex]A[/tex] is the initial angle of elevation and [tex]u[/tex] is the initial speed of the ball. I need to plot [tex]x(t)[/tex] and [tex]y(t)[/tex] parametrically. I'm given the following

[tex]u = 125 \mbox{ ft/s}[/tex]

[tex]g = 32 \mbox{ ft/s}^2[/tex]

[tex]h = 3 \mbox{ ft}[/tex]

[tex]A[/tex] may take several different values. Here follows the random choices I made and the corresponding graphs:

[tex]A=\frac{\pi}{3}[/tex]

http://img25.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc93ℑ=663_parametricplot_1.jpg

[tex]A=\frac{4\pi}{9}[/tex]

http://img6.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc123ℑ=26c_parametricplot_2.jpg

[tex]A=\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]

http://img6.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc123ℑ=26c_parametricplot_2.jpg

Could you please take a quick look at those graphs? In my opinion, there seems to be something wrong.

Thank you
 
Last edited:
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I can't see the images. You should be getting parabolas for the first two, and a vertical line for the third (since the ball goes straight up and down.)
 
NateTG said:
I can't see the images. You should be getting parabolas for the first two, and a vertical line for the third (since the ball goes straight up and down.)

Oh, I'm sorry about that. I actually tested the links, but a minute later they just wouldn't work. If you still want to take a quick look, I placed them at:

photos.yahoo.com/thiago_j

They're the only ones there. What you said about the shapes sound right to me, but that's not what I have. They are pretty much the same. I used the command (mathematica 5):

ParametricPlot[{x(t), y(t)}, {t, t_min, t_max}]

Anyway, that's definitely stange.
 
The discrepancy is probably because you cite g in feet per second squared and your initial velocity in meters per second. Your equation forms are correct.
 
Oh, no! That's a typo. u = 125 ft/s. The units are incorrect in my 1st post.
 
whozum said:
Your equation forms are correct.

I don't have a clue what else I could do.
 
I managed to get in my calculator what NateTG predicted: "getting parabolas for the first two, and a vertical line for the third". All I got to do now is go over my mathematica command so that I can fix it.

Thank you guys
 

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