Basic arrow projectile motion problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the initial velocity of an arrow shot parallel to the ground, which lands 63 meters away at a 3-degree angle. Participants explore various equations of motion, noting that there is no horizontal acceleration, only vertical due to gravity. They establish two key equations: one for horizontal distance and another for vertical drop, leading to the determination of time and initial velocity. Despite some miscalculations, they clarify the relationships between the variables involved, ultimately arriving at a more accurate formula for the initial velocity. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly identifying unknowns and applying the right equations in projectile motion problems.
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You are watching an archery tournament when you start wondering how fast an arrow is shot from the bow. Remembering your physics, you ask one of the archers to shoot an arrow parallel to the ground. You find the arrow stuck in the ground 63.0 m away, making a 3.00 degree angle with the ground. how fast was the arrow shot?

look two posts down...
 
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using another equation...

d= vit +.5at^2
63= vi(.616)+.5(-187)(.616)^2
vi= 678.23m/s

which is also wrong...

in case a wasnt supposed to be negative:

63=vi(.616)+.5(187)(.616^2)
vi= -473.69 m/s

which is also wrong
 
I'm not sure exactly what you did but for one thing, there is no acceleration in the x direction, only downwards cause of energy.
So the Vox = Vix. Cause of that you know that the x component of the original speed times the time equals the distance (63).
Also, the y component of the original speed Viy goes with the equation:
H = Viy*t - 0.5g*t^2. The H you have (dy, but I got 3.3) so now you have two equations with two unknowns (t and Vi).
 
First, be absolutely clear on what are your principal unknowns here!

Those are
a) the initial velocity V in the x-direction
and
b) The height H from which the archer shot the arrow parallell to the ground (i.e, the initial vertical velocity is, indeed 0, as you thought).

c) The time t it took the arrow to hit the ground.
Let's set up a few equations relating V,t,H:

Horizontal distance traveled:
63=Vt
Vertical distance traveled:
H=\frac{gt^{2}}{2}
Ratio of velocities at time of impact:
\frac{V_{y}}{V_{x}}=-\tan(3), V_{y}=-gt, V_{x}=V

The last equation expresses that the arrow at the time of impact follows is parallell to the tangent line of the parabolic arc at that point.

You only need the first and third equation to answer your question.
 
arildno said:
First, be absolutely clear on what are your principal unknowns here!
Those are
a) the initial velocity V in the x-direction
and
b) The height H from which the archer shot the arrow parallell to the ground (i.e, the initial vertical velocity is, indeed 0, as you thought).

c) The time t it took the arrow to hit the ground.
Let's set up a few equations relating V,t,H:

Horizontal distance traveled:
63=Vt
Vertical distance traveled:
H=\frac{gt^{2}}{2}
Ratio of velocities at time of impact:
\frac{V_{y}}{V_{x}}=-\tan(3), V_{y}=-gt, V_{x}=V

The last equation expresses that the arrow at the time of impact follows is parallell to the tangent line of the parabolic arc at that point.

You only need the first and third equation to answer your question.

thanks for your help. so...
t=.8209s
Vy= -8.0444m/s

final result:

Vy/[-tan(3)]=Vx
Vx=[-gt]/[tan(3)]
vx=153.5 m/s


its still saying its wrong, but thanks a lot man
 
Eeh, not too sure what you've done here!

From the 3rd equation, we get:

t=V\frac{\tan(3)}{g}
and hence, from the first:
V=\sqrt{\frac{63g}{\tan(3)}}\approx\sqrt{\frac{60*63*g}{\pi}}\approx{60}\sqrt{3}
 
arildno said:
Eeh, not too sure what you've done here!

From the 3rd equation, we get:

t=V\frac{\tan(3)}{g}
and hence, from the first:
V=\sqrt{\frac{63g}{\tan(3)}}\approx\sqrt{\frac{60*63*g}{\pi}}\approx{60}\sqrt{3}

ooo i get it. you substituted vy=-gt into the third equation. thanks so much man: :!)
 
nick727kcin said:
:!)
Well, I'm not going after your home address, but I am flattered.
 
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