Physics projectile problem

In summary, the conversation is discussing a physics projectile problem involving a fire hose shooting water at a speed of 6.8m/s and wanting to know at what angle(s) the nozzle should point for the water to land 3.0m away. The equation for time spent in the air and horizontal distance is discussed, with the final equation being sin(theta)*cos(theta) = something. Graphing can be used to find the two different angles required.
  • #1
lmf22
26
0
physics projectile problem...

A fire hose held near the gound shotts water at a speed of 6.8m/s. At what angle(s) should the nozzle point in order that the water would land 3.0m away?
It asks for 2 different angles.

Any help would be great. Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Make an equation showing the time spent in the air using the distance formula. This is overall vertical distance (0).

d = Vi*t + (1/2)*a*t^2

d is 0, Vi should be 6.8*sin(theta), a is just -9.80. Try to isolate the time. From the looks of it, the time will equal something * sin(theta).

From there, do horizontal distance

d = Vi*t

d is 3, Vi is 6.8*cos(theta), and t is the equation created above. You should end with sin(theta)*cos(theta) = something. From there you can probably just graph it.
 
Last edited:
  • #3


To solve this physics projectile problem, we can use the equations of motion for a projectile:

1. Horizontal displacement (x) = initial velocity (v) * time (t) * cos(theta)
2. Vertical displacement (y) = initial velocity (v) * time (t) * sin(theta) - (1/2) * acceleration due to gravity (g) * time (t)^2
3. Final velocity in the horizontal direction (vx) = initial velocity (v) * cos(theta)
4. Final velocity in the vertical direction (vy) = initial velocity (v) * sin(theta) - g * time (t)

Given:
Initial velocity (v) = 6.8m/s
Horizontal displacement (x) = 3.0m
Vertical displacement (y) = 0m (since the water is landing on the ground)
Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8m/s^2

Substituting these values into the equations, we can solve for the time (t) and the angle (theta).

1. x = 6.8 * t * cos(theta)
2. y = 6.8 * t * sin(theta) - 4.9 * t^2
3. 3.0 = 6.8 * t * cos(theta)
4. 0 = 6.8 * t * sin(theta) - 4.9 * t^2

Solving for t in equation 3:
t = 3.0 / (6.8 * cos(theta))

Substituting this value of t into equation 4:
0 = 6.8 * (3.0 / (6.8 * cos(theta))) * sin(theta) - 4.9 * (3.0 / (6.8 * cos(theta)))^2

Simplifying:
0 = 3.0 * tan(theta) - 4.9 * 0.132 * sec^2(theta)

Using a calculator or graphing the equation, we can find that there are two possible angles:
theta = 32.6 degrees and theta = 57.4 degrees

Therefore, the nozzle should point at an angle of 32.6 degrees and 57.4 degrees in order for the water to land 3.0m away.
 

1. What is a projectile in physics?

A projectile in physics refers to any object that is launched or thrown into the air and moves freely under the influence of gravity. Examples include a ball thrown in the air, a bullet shot from a gun, or a rocket launched into space.

2. What is the formula for calculating the trajectory of a projectile?

The formula for calculating the trajectory of a projectile is: y = y0 + xtanθ - (gx^2 / 2v0^2cos^2θ), where y is the vertical position, y0 is the initial vertical position, x is the horizontal distance, θ is the launch angle, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and v0 is the initial velocity.

3. How does air resistance affect the motion of a projectile?

Air resistance, also known as air drag, can slow down the motion of a projectile and change its trajectory. This is because as the projectile moves through the air, it collides with air molecules which create a force that opposes its direction of motion. The amount of air resistance depends on the size, shape, and speed of the projectile.

4. Can a projectile have both horizontal and vertical motion?

Yes, a projectile can have both horizontal and vertical motion at the same time. This is because the horizontal and vertical components of its motion are independent of each other. The horizontal motion is constant, while the vertical motion is affected by gravity.

5. How can we use the principles of projectile motion in real life?

The principles of projectile motion are used in various real-life applications, such as in sports like basketball, baseball, and golf. They are also used in engineering and design of projectiles, such as missiles and rockets. Understanding projectile motion can also help in predicting the path of falling objects or the trajectory of a moving object.

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