Projectile Motion initial velocity

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in projectile motion, specifically focusing on determining the components of initial velocity given a magnitude and direction. The initial velocity is stated to be 12.0 m/s at an angle of 60.0 degrees above the negative x-axis.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to calculate the x and y components of the velocity using trigonometric functions. There is an exploration of the correct application of sine and cosine based on the orientation of the angle.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the correct trigonometric functions to use for calculating the components. There is an acknowledgment of a mistake in labeling the triangle, and the conversation reflects an ongoing clarification of the approach rather than a resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem as posed, with an emphasis on understanding the correct application of trigonometric principles in the context of projectile motion.

ProBasket
Messages
140
Reaction score
0
Consider a particle with initial velocity [tex]v[/tex] that has magnitude 12.0m/s and is directed 60.0 degrees above the negative x axis.

1.) What is the x component [tex]v_x[/tex] of [tex]v[/tex](velocity)?

Express your answer in meters per second.

a.) [tex]v_x = ____[/tex]

well i drew the picture where the negative x-axis was located, and did sin(60)*12 = 10.392, but since it's where the negative x-axis is, it'll be -10.392 right?

2.) What is the y component [tex]v_y[/tex] of [tex]v[/tex](velocity)?
a.) [tex]v_y = ____[/tex]

well i kinda did the same thing as for the first question, cos(60)*12 = 6m/s

are these two correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
With the angles reversed,they are... :wink: Pay attention at that triangle...


Daniel.
 
what do you mean by reversing the angles? so instead of 60, you mean i should use -60?
 
No,no.The "x" component needs to be gotten with a cosine and the "y" with a sine...Basically just reverse of what u did...

Daniel.
 
ah thanks for the help, i had my triangle label incorrectly by mistake
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
40
Views
4K
  • · Replies 53 ·
2
Replies
53
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K