3-Dimensional Projectile Motion

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the z coordinate of a 3-dimensional projectile motion, especially for a rotating system like a sprinkler, one must consider the angular motion involved. The discussion highlights that while the x and y coordinates can be expressed using standard kinematic equations, the z coordinate requires a different approach, often involving angular kinetic energy and moment of inertia. The conversation also touches on the lack of formulas for kinetic energy that incorporate rotation or variable orbits, suggesting that angular kinetic energy can be represented as K = (1/2)Iw^2. Ultimately, once the water exits the sprinkler, it behaves as a projectile, allowing for a two-dimensional analysis of its motion. Understanding these principles typically requires a background in classical mechanics or physics courses.
amcavoy
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I know in 2-dimensions, the x coordinate is represented by

x=v_{0}\cos{(\theta)}t,

and the y coodinate is represented by

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

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

x=v_{0}\cos{(\theta)}t,

and the y coodinate is represented by

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

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.
 
Who's rotating??

Daniel.
 
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

x=v_{0}\cos{(\theta)}t,

and the y coodinate is represented by

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

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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