Football/receiver projectile motion

In summary, a football is thrown with an initial speed of 20.0 m/s at an angle of 30.0o above the horizontal. The receiver is 20.0 m away from the quarterback at that instant. To catch the football at the same level it was thrown, the receiver must run in a specific direction at a constant speed. The x-component velocity of the football's path is not equal to the speed at which the receiver should run because the receiver was originally standing still when the ball was thrown. Both velocities do not have to be equal for the receiver to make the catch.
  • #1
Arooj
40
0

Homework Statement


A football is thrown toward a receiver with an initial speed of 20.0 m/s at an angle of 30.0o above the horizontal. At that instant, the receiver is 20.0 m from the quaterback. In what direction and with what constant speed should the receiver run in order to catch the football at the level at which it was thrown? Why is the x-component velocity of the football's path not the speed at which the receiver should run?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I understand how to do this problem, but I don't understand why the speed at which the receiver should run to catch the football at the level it is thrown is not equal to the x-component of the football; wouldn't both velocities have to be equal for the receiver to make the catch?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Apparently the receiver was standing still when the ball was thrown.
 

1. What is projectile motion in football?

Projectile motion in football refers to the path followed by a football when it is thrown or kicked through the air. This motion is affected by gravity and air resistance, resulting in a curved trajectory.

2. How does the angle of release affect the distance a receiver can catch a football?

The angle of release plays a crucial role in determining the distance a receiver can catch a football. A higher angle of release results in a shorter distance, while a lower angle of release can increase the distance. This is because a lower angle allows the ball to travel further horizontally before hitting the ground.

3. What is the relationship between the initial velocity and the height of a football in projectile motion?

The initial velocity of a football, which is the speed and direction at which it is thrown or kicked, affects the height of the ball in projectile motion. The greater the initial velocity, the higher the ball will go before falling to the ground. This is due to the influence of gravity on the ball's trajectory.

4. How does air resistance affect the flight of a football in projectile motion?

Air resistance, also known as drag, can significantly impact the flight of a football in projectile motion. As the ball moves through the air, it experiences a force in the opposite direction of its motion, slowing it down and changing its trajectory. This is why a football thrown or kicked at a higher velocity will travel further than one thrown or kicked at a lower velocity.

5. What are the factors that can affect the accuracy of a receiver catching a football?

The accuracy of a receiver catching a football can be affected by several factors, including the velocity and direction of the throw, the distance between the receiver and the thrower, and environmental factors such as wind and air resistance. The receiver's own skills and positioning also play a significant role in catching a football accurately.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
230
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
768
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
689
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
692
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top