Physics Problem. I must find the horizontal distance x between the 2 baloons.

In summary, the two hot-air balloons in the drawing are 48.2 and 61.0 meters above the ground. The left balloon observes the right balloon at an angle of 13.3 degrees above the horizontal. Using the definition of tangent and the given information, the horizontal distance between the two balloons is 54.1 meters.
  • #1
afcwestwarrior
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Homework Statement


The two hot-air baloons in the drawing are 48.2(Left) and 61.0(right) m above the ground. A person in the left baloon observes that the right baloon is 13.3 degrees above the horizontal. What is the Horizontal distance x between baloon the two baloons

Left Air Baloon= 48.2 meters
Right Air Baloon= 61.0 meters
The angle above the horizontal is 13.3 degrees

Homework Equations


Definition of Sin, Cos, and Tan, and the inverse trigonometric functions. I'm not sure on the equation I should use.


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure on where I should start.
 
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  • #2
Here is what I did. I added 48.2 meters and 61.0 meters and then I divided them by 2 and I got 54.6 meters.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Ok this problem was actually simple because all I had to do was subtract 61.0-48.2=12.8, and I found out the height of the opposite side. Then I used the definition of Tan and I divided 12.8/tan(13.3)=54.1 meters, and that's how far the distance x was.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating horizontal distance in a physics problem?

The formula for calculating horizontal distance (x) is x = vt, where v is the velocity and t is the time interval.

2. How can I determine the velocity in a physics problem?

The velocity can be determined by dividing the distance (d) by the time interval (t), v = d/t. Alternatively, if the acceleration (a) and initial velocity (u) are known, v can be calculated using the formula v = u + at.

3. Is there a specific unit for horizontal distance in physics?

Yes, the unit for horizontal distance is typically measured in meters (m).

4. Can I use the same formula for calculating horizontal distance in different scenarios?

Yes, the formula x = vt can be used for any scenario where the initial velocity is known and the object is moving at a constant speed in a straight line.

5. Are there other factors that may affect the horizontal distance in a physics problem?

Yes, factors such as air resistance, friction, and external forces can also affect the horizontal distance in a physics problem and may need to be taken into consideration when solving the problem.

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