Pre-AP Physics Help: Solving Projectile Motion Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem involving a projectile launched from a cliff with specific initial conditions, including height, speed, and angle. Participants are exploring how to calculate various aspects of the projectile's motion, including time of flight, range, and velocity components just before impact.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss breaking down the initial velocity into horizontal and vertical components and applying kinematic equations to find time and distance. Questions arise about the correct use of trigonometric functions for resolving vectors and the implications of constant speed on acceleration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem by suggesting the resolution of vectors and the application of equations of motion. There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to calculate time and distance, with some participants noting corrections to their earlier calculations. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being examined, and participants are actively engaging in troubleshooting their approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is a focus on ensuring that calculations align with the physics principles involved in projectile motion.

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i need help with this problem:

A projectile is shot from the edge of a cliff h = 105 m above ground level with an initial speed of v0 = 125 m/s at an angle of 37.0° with the horizontal, as shown in Fig. 3-39.
3_39alt.gif

Figure 3-39.

(a) Determine the time taken by the projectile to hit point P at ground level.
____ s
(b) Determine the range X of the projectile as measured from the base of the cliff.
____ km
(c) At the instant just before the projectile hits point P, find the horizontal and the vertical components of its velocity (take up and to the right as positive directions).
____ m/s (horizontal component)
____ m/s (vertical component)
(d) What is the the magnitude of the velocity?
____ m/s
(e) What is the angle made by the velocity vector with the horizontal?
____ ° (below the horizontal)


I think if somebody could get it started, maybe just get one of the answers, i could figure out the rest, i just can't figure out how to get it started.
 
Last edited:
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List out the data you've been given.

What equations can you use for these kinds of problems ?

Which of these equations relates time (part a) to other quantities in the given data ?

What do you know about resolution of vectors along different directions ?
 
k first you must set the equation into horizontal and vertical components then work from there. Then find the vertical and horizontal velocity.
 
cdhotfire has the golden tip. Split the vector into Vx and Vy and then look at how these change during the fall.
 
yup yup, but i should have said first to find x and y initial velocity, then separate. :smile:
 
so, in other words,
[tex]V_{y} = 125sin(37) \approx 75.23[/tex]
[tex]V_{x} = 125tan(37) \approx 94.19[/tex]

but i don't know what to do with that, and that's only till it gets back down level with the cliff, how would i get the rest?

another question, if something is at constant speed is acceleration 0 or 1?
 
Last edited:
Use the equations of motion.
 
here's what I've gotten:
[tex]V_{x} \approx 99.83[/tex]
[tex]v_{y} \approx 75.23[/tex]
used [tex]V_{y}[/tex] to get time:
[tex]V_{f} = V_{i} + at[/tex]
[tex]0 = 75.23 + (-9.8)t[/tex]
[tex]t = 7.68[/tex]
double it to get the real time
[tex]t=15.35[/tex]
now, to get the distance:
[tex]vt = d[/tex]
[tex]99.83(15.35) \approx 1532.39[/tex]
ok so far i got everything i need for until the cannonball comes back level with the cliff
now, dropping below the top of the cliff:
vertical component:
[tex]V_{f}^{2} = V_{i}^{2} + 2ad[/tex]
[tex]V_{f}^{2} = -75.23^{2} + 2(9.8)(105) \approx 7717.55[/tex]
[tex]V_{f} \approx -87.85[/tex]
thats the answer for second part of (c)
first part of (c) would be 99.83 since the horizontal velocity is constant.
now to get the time:
[tex]V_{f} = V_{i} + at[/tex]
[tex]87.85 = 75.23 + 9.8t[/tex]
[tex]t = 1.29[/tex]
so the total time would be
[tex]t = 1.29 + 15.35 = 16.64[/tex]
now, to get the distance
[tex]vt = d[/tex]
[tex]d = 99.83(1.29) \approx 128.78[/tex]
total distance:
[tex]1532.39 + 128.78 = 1661.71[/tex]
but its got to be in km so
[tex]1661.71/1000 = 1.66[/tex]
now, to get (d) using pythagorean theorum:
[tex]-87.85^{2}+99.83^{2} \approx 17683.65[/tex]
[tex]\sqrt{17683.65} \approx 132.98[/tex]
now, to get (e):
[tex]arcsin(\frac{-87.85}{132.98}) \approx -41.35[/tex]

completed.
 
Last edited:
Here's an easier way to find the time:

First, find the time for the ball to reach the top of its projectile (which you have). Next, instead of doubling it, find the total time for it to touch the ground (distance = vertical distance it traveled to get to the top of its projectile + height of the cliff) using d=V(initial)squated + 1/2 at(squared)
initial velocity is zero

To find the horiz distance, remember that the horiz speed is constant
 
  • #10
Sorry, gave you the wrong formula.
d=Vt + 1/2at(squared)
 
  • #11
tried that and still came out with same distance, i think my [tex]V_{x}[/tex] is wrong, but i don't know what else it could be.
 
  • #12
found my mistake, was supposed to use cos instead of tan for [tex]V_{x}[/tex] now I've got everything right, thanks a lot to everybody for all the help
ill fix my post above too.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
np man, for those problems just place them in diff components all youll be alright, for the rest we all make mistakes so gl with that. :smile:
 
  • #14
^ bump

I got a question about part c

I was trying to get the vertical components of this velocity
by using this formula


[tex](V_2)^2 = (V_1)^2 + 2a \Delta d <br /> <br /> = (105 Sin 37) + 2(-9.8m/s^2)(-125m)[/tex]

[tex]V_2 =\sqrt{2513.190577 m^2}<br /> =50.13173224 m[/tex]

but than the right answer is
-79.9 m/s
using a different kinematic formula (a = change in velocity/ change in time)
 
  • #15
uh, can anybody help me there above?
sorry for bumping it again
 

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