Solving Impossible Physics Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a complex physics problem involving projectile motion from a 15kg artillery piece with a 12mm barrel, subjected to a 1500N force and a wind force of 15N. Key calculations include determining net forces, accelerations in both x and y directions, and the time of flight using Newton's 2nd Law and kinematics. The problem also emphasizes the importance of resolving projectile speed into horizontal and vertical components and clarifying the barrel length, which raises questions about realism. The value of gravitational acceleration, whether 9.8, 9.81, or 10 m/s², is also critical for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's 2nd Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with kinematics equations
  • Knowledge of projectile motion principles
  • Basic concepts of forces acting on objects in motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate projectile motion using different values of gravitational acceleration
  • Explore the effects of wind resistance on projectile trajectories
  • Learn about resolving forces into components in physics
  • Investigate realistic measurements and assumptions in physics problems
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Physics students, educators, artillery specialists, and anyone interested in advanced projectile motion analysis.

richbasterd21
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I got this problem in physics today and i have no idea how to do it:

You are on a firing team in Iraq. You are manning a piece of artillery that fires a 15kg. projectile out of a 12mm barrel. with a constant in barrel force of 1500N. The mew(i think that is how you spell it) is .22. the barrel is tilted at 30 degrees and the wind is blowing directly at you at you with 15N of force. An enemy vehicle is coming directly at you at 40 m/s and is currently at 1000m away. When do you fire? I need help on finiding the acceleration, f applied in both x and y directions, normal force and all of the rest of the info!
 
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Wow! A tough question indeed. Do you have to assume that the projectile is fired at ground level (i.e. the level where it eventually hits the enemy vehicle)?

When the projectile is traveling in the barrel, what is the net force acting on it? Observe that both the resultant force and acceleration are constant, so you can apply Newton's 2nd Law and some Kinematics equations in determining the speed of the projectile when it leaves the barrel and the time taken.

When the projectile is traveling in the air, resolve its speed into 2 perpendicular components. The wind affects only the horizontal component, and gravity affects only the vertical component. Use Newton's 2nd Law to determine the constant acceleration in both directions, and some Kinematics equations to calculate the horizontal distance it has covered when it hits the ground and the time taken to do so.

Finally, add the 2 periods of time above, and calculate the corresponding range of the projectile and solve the question!
 
Hmmm...There's something odd about your question. Is the barrel only 12mm in length? Isn't this an unrealistic measurement?

Also, what is your value of g(acceleration due to gravity)? Did you use 9.8, 9.81 or 10 [tex]ms^{-2}[/tex]?
 

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