Mechanics Projectile Motion Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem involving a tennis ball served horizontally from a height of 2.3 meters. Participants explore how to determine the ball's height when it passes a net located 12 meters from the server, given that it strikes the ground 28 meters away.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Antagonist expresses confusion regarding the necessary information to solve the problem, particularly questioning the need for initial and final velocities and time.
  • One participant suggests that the initial vertical velocity is zero since the ball is launched horizontally and proposes finding the time it takes for the ball to strike the ground.
  • Another participant indicates that the horizontal distance traveled can be used to solve for the initial velocity.
  • Antagonist reports successfully following the provided guidance to calculate the time, initial velocity, and the distance fallen, ultimately arriving at the answer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion appears to have resolved the initial confusion, with Antagonist successfully applying the suggestions provided. However, there is no explicit consensus on the approach or any alternative methods that could be used to solve the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants did not discuss the height of the net, which may be relevant for a complete understanding of the problem. Additionally, the calculations and assumptions made by Antagonist were not detailed, leaving some steps unresolved.

Antagonist
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Hi,

I am new here and I am doing A-Level Maths and Physics. I am currently having trouble in A2 maths. I am doing M2 and am doing projectile motion.
This is the question I am having trouble with:

A tennis ball is served horizontally from a height of 2.3m and it strikes the ground at a point 28m away from the server. Find its height when it passes the net 12m from the server.

I have been trying to work it out but the 5 equations of motion do not seem to work as I do not have enough information. All they give me in this questions is distances. What is the velocity(initial and final), time and most importantly the answer to the question. I am not sure if the velocity and time is needed for the answer. This is probably very simple but its stumped me. If anyone could help it would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

--Antagonist
 
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Do you know the height of the net?
EDIT:
OK, sorry about that, you don't need it.
Now, the ball is launched horizontally, that is has zero vertical velocity to begin with.
Hence, you may find the time the ball strikes the ground.
Secondly, since you know it has traveled horizontally 28 meters, you may solve for initial velocity.
 
Last edited:
I followed your instructions and that led me to the answer. I figured out the time and initial velocity and then found out the time for it to travel 12m using the initial velocity I found out earlier. Then I found out the distance it fell using the time and acceleration due to gravity. Finally I subtracted the distance it fell from the beginning distance and that is the answer. :)

Thanks arildno for your help

--Antagonist
 
No prob.
Welcome to PF!
 

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