Solving for θ Given Time in Projectile Motion

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a mathematical relationship between the angle of projectile motion, denoted as \(\theta\), and time. Participants explore whether it is feasible to derive a function that allows for the direct calculation of \(\theta\) based on time, particularly in the context of projectile motion equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to establish a function that relates \(\theta\) and time, suggesting that projectile motion often provides angles at various points along the trajectory.
  • Another participant questions the relevance of projectile motion to the double-slit experiment, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the topic.
  • There is a discussion about the mathematical relationships involving the components of motion, with equations provided for horizontal and vertical motion.
  • One participant asserts that the angle between the x and y components is \(\frac{\pi}{2}\), leading to confusion about the definition of \(\theta\) in this context.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the interpretation of the angle \(\theta\) as relative to the horizontal, rather than between the x and y axes.
  • Participants express varying levels of understanding and seek clarification on the definition of \(\theta\) and its application in the equations presented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of \(\theta\) or its relationship to time in projectile motion. Multiple interpretations and approaches are presented, indicating ongoing debate and exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of variables and the context in which \(\theta\) is applied. The discussion includes references to different interpretations of angles in relation to projectile motion and potential misunderstandings related to the double-slit experiment.

misogynisticfeminist
Messages
370
Reaction score
0
Hi, I'm trying to find out how a function relating [tex]\theta[/tex] and time together. this is because, in many cases of projectile motion, they do give us say, the angle at various spots of a particle's trajectory or velocities so that we solve for theta. Is it possible to create a function so that I know theta straight away just by substituting in the variable time??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the angle [itex]\theta[/itex]...?Is it somehow connected to the double-slit experiment...?

Daniel.
 
What do projectiles have to do with the double slit experiment? :confused:
 
They do,u see,it's all clear to me:projectiles,double slit experiments and Copenhagen vs.other QM interpretations...If u don't believe me read here and here


Daniel.
 
misogynisticfeminist said:
Hi, I'm trying to find out how a function relating [tex]\theta[/tex] and time together. this is because, in many cases of projectile motion, they do give us say, the angle at various spots of a particle's trajectory or velocities so that we solve for theta. Is it possible to create a function so that I know theta straight away just by substituting in the variable time??

And in case you're not doing the double slit experiment... :wink:

[tex]v_x=v_{x,0}[/tex]
[tex]v_y=v_{y,0}-gt[/tex]
[tex]x=x_0+v_{x,0}t[/tex]
[tex]y=y_0+v_{y,0}t-\frac{1}{2}gt^2[/tex]

Now I'm not sure what you mean by [tex]\theta[/tex] either, but it could be:

[tex]tan(\theta)=\frac{v_y}{v_x}=\frac{v_{y,0}-gt}{v_{x,0}}[/tex]
[tex]tan(\theta)=\frac{y}{x}=\frac{y_0+v_{y,0}t-\frac{1}{2}gt^2}{x_0+v_{x,0}t}[/tex]

If not, please clarify what you mean by [tex]\theta[/tex].
 
Aren't "x" and "y" perpendicular,so the angle between them [itex]\frac{\pi}{2} [/tex] and the tangent of this angle is [itex]\infty[/itex]...?The same goes for velocity vector's projections onto the rectangular Oxy...<img src="https://www.physicsforums.com/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/oldschool/bugeye.gif" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":bugeye:" title="Bug Eye :bugeye:" data-shortname=":bugeye:" /><br /> <br /> Daniel.[/itex]
 
dextercioby said:
Aren't "x" and "y" perpendicular,so the angle between them [itex]\frac{\pi}{2} [/tex] and the tangent of this angle is [itex]\infty[/itex]...?The same goes for velocity vector's projections onto the rectangular Oxy...<img src="https://www.physicsforums.com/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/oldschool/bugeye.gif" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":bugeye:" title="Bug Eye :bugeye:" data-shortname=":bugeye:" />[/itex]
[itex] <br /> Uh, what? This isn't the angle between x and y. "x" and "y" represent the sides of a right triangle with one vertex at the origin. The angle is relative to the horizontal.[/itex]
 
You're right.I think among your 2 options lies the OP's answer to his question,unless it's something which would defy logics.

Daniel.
 
SpaceTiger said:
And in case you're not doing the double slit experiment... :wink:

[tex]v_x=v_{x,0}[/tex]
[tex]v_y=v_{y,0}-gt[/tex]
[tex]x=x_0+v_{x,0}t[/tex]
[tex]y=y_0+v_{y,0}t-\frac{1}{2}gt^2[/tex]

Now I'm not sure what you mean by [tex]\theta[/tex] either, but it could be:

[tex]tan(\theta)=\frac{v_y}{v_x}=\frac{v_{y,0}-gt}{v_{x,0}}[/tex]
[tex]tan(\theta)=\frac{y}{x}=\frac{y_0+v_{y,0}t-\frac{1}{2}gt^2}{x_0+v_{x,0}t}[/tex]

If not, please clarify what you mean by [tex]\theta[/tex].

hey, that helped, thanks a lot.

I was not looking for the double-slit exp. though lol. I wouldn't have posted that in the classical physics forum. and that helped too, btw.

: )
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
5K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K