What is Projectile motion: Definition and 1000 Discussions

Projectile motion is a form of motion experienced by a launched object. Ballistics (Greek: βάλλειν, romanized: ba'llein, lit. 'to throw') is the science of dynamics that deals with the flight, behavior and effects of projectiles, especially bullets, unguided bombs, rockets, or the like; the science or art of designing and accelerating projectiles so as to achieve a desired performance.

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  1. chrisbroward

    (Help) Surface charge density (σ) for particle to hit plate...

    I don't know if i'm exactly right. But I started with x(time) = V cos θ t which = (6810 m/s) cos (69.1°) (11.4 * 10^-3 s) is ... 27.69 m & since Electric field due to uniformly charge surface is represented by... E = (q * σ)/(2 * ε_0 * m), and since acceleration (a) can be expressed as F/m...
  2. S

    Projectile Motion Problem: Kicking a soccer ball over a fence

    initial velocity y component is (cos30) * 20. t = 25m / ((cos30) * 20)m/s = 1.45 seconds d = vt + .5at^2 v= 20sin30 v= 10 , d= 10(1.45s) + .5(-9.8m/s^s)(1.45s)^2 d=4.2m 4.2-2.5 = +1.7m, so the ball will not hit the fence I need confirmation please
  3. question_asker

    I Tracing parabolic motion with only current velocity and position?

    Is it possible to trace the trajectory of an object using only its velocity and position, both of which are given as components. My method of doing so involves using the time until max height is reached, and using that time value to calculate the max height itself (h,k), then plugging in the...
  4. F

    Vertical projectile motion with quadratic drag (sign convention)

    I am attempting problem number 2.38 from John R. Taylor's Classical Mechanics and I am not getting the correct answer. My procedure is as follows: Equation of motion (taking up as the positive direction): $$m\dot{v}=-mg-cv^2$$ Now to find ##v_\mathrm{ter}##, the terminal velocity, we consider...
  5. Feynstein100

    B Maximum velocity for projectile motion?

    Hey so I encountered a problem recently, which while being simple, gave me another problem that I couldn't solve. The problem: An object is launched vertically upward with an initial velocity of 10 m/s from an elevation of 20m and allowed to hit the ground. Develop the equations of motion...
  6. themethetion

    Projectile Motion Using Vectors

    TL;DR Summary: Using vector functions how can I find the minimum average velocity (something greater than 11.86m/s) of a ball if the launch angle is unknown and if I have a point that the object must travel through (11.86, 3.47)? In my assignment, I developed a function for a lob shot...
  7. vinicius_linhares

    Analysis of the Ground Function: f(x) with $$f''(\bar{x})=0$$

    If f(x) is the function of the "ground": My first assumption is that in a certain $$\bar{x}$$, $$f''(\bar{x})=0$$, and from that point I will analyse the situation. The object has initial energy $$E_0=\frac{mv^2}{2}+mgf(x),$$ then $$v=\sqrt{\frac{2}{m}}\sqrt{E_0-mgf(x)}.$$ In each point the...
  8. DioMiner

    Why does this not work? Projectile Motion problem for Dynamics Class

    TL;DR Summary: I want to mainly figure out where in the problem solving I went wrong. I understand the correct answer (since I looked it up), but to me, it does not make any sense. I am honestly stumped at this point. Online solutions say that my equation y = 0.5774x-0.003354x^2 should...
  9. A

    Finding velocity for projectile given distances and launch angle

    i used t=d/v for the x direction using the formula t=250/vcos55 and subbed that into the formula for the y direction d = (v) (t) + (0.5) (a) (t)^2 35 = (vsin55) (250/vcos55) - (4.9) (250/vcos55)^2 canceled out the first two v 35 = sin55 (250/cos55) - (306250/v^2cos3025) 35 = 357 -...
  10. Werther

    Interpolate between 2 impact points only given the throw angles

    Top-Down-Perspective: At first I am quite sure that the problem is not solvable since there are that many unknowns. But my Approach would be to create a linear function with P1 and P2 and then set it equal to the function that gets me the impact location of P3 and then solve it by b3. Thanks...
  11. Kaiser98

    Projectile motion problem – determining initial velocity of throw

    My reasoning was to use this kinematic equation to first get time of flight of the baseball using horizontal components, and then use this same equation again to find initial velocity.
  12. Argonaut

    Projectile Motion on an Incline

    I worked myself into a trigonometry rut. I've tried two approaches, first by not changing the frame of reference, and second by taking the incline as the horizontal x axis. Here is my second attempt: Take the incline as the horizontal. Then the coordinates of target T are: $$ \begin{align} x_T...
  13. G

    Projectile motion when kicking a ball that lands on an upward slope

    We know x = R =max range (28m) on level ground. Need to find v()^2. Subbing y=0 into (1) above, get v(0)^2 = (gR^2/)/(2*cos (theta)^2 * tan (theta). ... (2) This didn't seem right, since this means v(0)^2 is a negative number ... maybe my orientation or algebra wrong? Anyway, didn't see...
  14. U

    Golf Ball Projectile Motion Problem -- Solved

    26.6m/s = v0 36.5º = θ g = 9.81m/s^2 A) Find Range: (v0^2)/g *sin2θ = (26.6^2)/9.81 * sin2(36.5) = 89.99 I double-checked with the other Range equation (2v0*cosθ * (v0sinθ)/g) so I know I'm doing something wrong. Please help! Thank you edit: A) Correct answer is 69.0
  15. U

    Calculating x Position of a Moving Object

    Vertical position (x component): y(t) = y0 +v0 * t -1/2*g*t^2 Position yx(t) = 0cm = 40cm + 0 *t -1/2 * 981cm/s/s * t^2 edit: I replaced v0 = 0 and got t = 0.286s, which is incorrect according to the submission. This didn't work so I thought maybe by finding the angle of the throw would help...
  16. G

    Projectile Motion of motorcyclist

    I assumed the cyclist was going 60-kph. Then worked backwards as shown above to calculate the deceleration in the x direction and then the time to decelerate to a stop at 39 m. Then used this time to calculate the initial speed if cyclist thrown 39 m, which was 8.4 m/s. But if he was going...
  17. C

    Velocity Formulas for Projectile Motion

    Hi, so I solved this using energy. I also tried solving this using kinematic equations. The issue I am running into s for calculating the Vy of the problem. I am able to find the time it takes the rock to fall using d=(1/2)gt^2. Then, I considered two different ways of going about finding the...
  18. C

    Circular motion to projectile motion

    So first I found the velocity of the ball at the bottom of the swing from the force equations, which I got to be 4.9 m/s and this is only in the x-direction. Then using the projectile motion for delta y I found time, which is 0.2s. Then using that time I found the delta x to be 0.98m. I just...
  19. A

    Calculating Maximum Height: Confusion & Solutions

    I am calculating it like this: 𝑦=ℎ0−0.5𝑔𝑡^2=0→ℎ0=0.5𝑔𝑡^2→𝑡=sqrt(2*ℎ0/g) 𝑥=𝑣0*𝑡→ substituting t →𝑥=𝑣0*sqrt(2*ℎ0/g) 𝑑𝑥/𝑑ℎ0=𝑣0/(𝑔*sqrt(2*h0/g))=0 for maximum ℎ0=0. confused. can someone tell me how I am calculating this wrong?
  20. A

    I If we throw a ball with initial velocity v0, is there a force?

    If we throw a ball with initial velocity v0, and the ball progresses in a projectile motion, ignoring air resistance, will there be a force in the x direction? If so, what is that force in the x direction's value mathematically? I know there is a force in the y direction due to gravity.
  21. GiantYoda

    Kinematic Equations in Projectile Motion (this approach is not working)

    Givens: Vyi=12.5 m/s Vyf=-12.5 m/s (at the same horizontal level) ay=-9.81 m/s^2 Δy= zero m (as the displacement on the y-axis, when the projectile reaches the same horizontal level, is zero m) Δt=? When I use Δy=[(vyi+vyf)/2]*Δt I get the time as undefined. Δt= 2Δy/(vyi+vyf) = 2*0 m/(12.5...
  22. burakyildiz

    Projectile Motion Experiment: Results Too High?

    Hello everyone, I have a homework about projectile motion experiment and I threw small ball over the table and ball did projectile motion at the end of the table and ı recording this motion on motion tracker and motion tracker gave me acceleration of y component of ball as 14.02 m/s^2. But it...
  23. ayans2495

    Relationship between horizontal range and angle of launch

    I would like to conduct an experiment asking the question "how does the angle at which a projectile is launched vary with respect to the horizontal range it covers?" Ultimately, I'd like to prove that the horizontal range is directly proportional to sin(2(theta)). This will be done with the aid...
  24. T

    Stopping a Bullet: Calculate umin and xf

    (a) ##u_{min}=\big(1+\frac{m_2}{m_1}\big)\sqrt{2\mu_k g d}## (b) ##x_f=\sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}\Big(\big(\frac{m_1}{m_1+m_2}u\big)^2-2\mu_k g d\Big)}## Can someone check please?
  25. A

    B Projectile motion — Thinking about forces on a curve ball

    When a ball is thrown such that it moves in a curved trajectory in the horizontal plane, it amuses me to think of its dynamics. In motion of a ball thrown upwards the force of gravity gives it a parabolic trajectory However when the ball is thrown to curve and hit a target, (in the horizontal...
  26. Rubberduck2005

    Tricky conceptual Projectile motion question

    So far all I have determined is the equations of motion for the two and that is as follows. It is trivial that y(t)=v1sin(Q)t -gt^2/2 and that x(t)=v2cos(Q)t. Now the angle that is anticlockwise from the negative horizontal of the robber is 90 - Q using basic trigonometry, using this we can...
  27. R

    Show that a projectile lands at a distance ##R = \frac{2v_0^2 sin \theta cos(\theta + \phi)}{g cos^2 \phi}##

    ##V_x = V_0 cos \theta ## ##x = V_0 cos \theta t## ##V_y = V_0 cos \theta ## ##y = V_0 cos \theta t## ##F_x = m\ddot{x}## ##-mgsin \phi = m\ddot{x}## ##\dot{x} = -gtsin\phi + V_x## ##x = -\frac{1}{2} gt^2 sin \phi + V_x t## ##x = -\frac{1}{2} gt^2 sin \phi + v_0 cos\theta t## ##F_y =...
  28. kuruman

    How to Solve Projectile Motion Problems in One or Two Lines

    [url="https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/how-to-solve-projectile-motion-problems-in-one-or-two-lines/"]Continue reading...
  29. VexCarido

    Projectile Intercept Math & Trigonometry

    Looking for some guidance on how to set up the equations for a projectile intercept given that you have perfect information about the target velocity, size and weather conditions in a 3D scenario, it's for an amateur videogame that I'm developing in my spare time For simplicity sake let's...
  30. brotherbobby

    Projectile motion with (constant) wind velocity

    Let me start be making a small sketch of the problem, shown to the right. If the range of the projectile on a still day ##R = v_{0x}T##, then on the windy day the range becomes ##R+2H = v'_{0x}T = (v_{0x}+v_w) T##. Since the maximum height attained by the projectile ##H =...
  31. rg0ldberg

    Projectile Motion with a backwards Rotation/Tumble

    I'm having a bit of a problem with some projectile motion. The standard motion is not a problem, but how to I compensate for a projectile that is rotating or tumbling backwards (nose over tail) at a significant rate of speed. The Tumble rotation is about 50 degrees/second on a cylindrical...
  32. R

    Projectile Motion -- Help please understanding these basic problems

    1)Find the range of the gun when the muzzle speed is 400m/s and the elevation 24.5° - I tried to find " Time " via t= [v-u]/a by substituting it through cos--> t= ( 0- [400cos24.5] )/-10 and got [ 36.39 ]. Which I then substituted in S=ut---> S= ( 400cos24.5 ) x 36.39=13245.3. [ the answer...
  33. brotherbobby

    Maximum range on ground for an elevated cannon

    I sketch a diagram for the problem and show it to the right. My approach is going to be along the following lines : (1) Use the equation of motion in the ##x## direction to express the total time of flight ##T## as a function of the range and initial angle ##T = T(R, \theta_0)##. (2) Plug this...
  34. S

    Projectile Motion: Using an arrow to shoot a coconut dropped by a monkey

    Let: ##x## = horizontal distance from person to tree ##h_t## = height where arrow hits the coconut (measured from ground) ##h_o## = height of monkey ##u## = initial speed of arrow ##\theta = 35^0## ##t = 1~ \text{s}## Vertical displacement of coconut until it is hit: $$h_t - h_o = -\frac{1}{2}...
  35. VexCarido

    Runge-Kutta Projectile Approximation From Initial Conditions

    Hi everyone. I'm a new member, great to be here:) I have a few questions that I wanted to ask you guys regarding the method by which we implement the Runge-Kutta approximation of Projectile Motion if we should do it using a numerical iterative method with a Spreadsheet like Excel. I have...
  36. kshitij

    Projectile Motion in 2D: Solving for Maximum Range in Inclined Planes

    I know the conventional method for solving this question using the formula for maximum range of a projectile in an inclined plane, but since it is an objective problem, if we consider a non general case where α=0, then clearly we can see that (see attachment) only one option matches which...
  37. L

    Proportionality theorem and projectile motion

    So i have this question. If a projectile is fired from a spring loaded system and when it goes pass a chronograph, reads 300FPS and has a mass of 0.12grams. Is there any way to use the proportionality theorem (1/3=x/6 example) to approximate how fast a mass of 0.25grams is when fired from same...
  38. Z

    Find the range of an object coming off an inclined plane

    Hey Everyone, my physics teacher has assigned us a task which involves predicting the range of a ball falling down an inclined plane into a free-fall, the equation for the final velocity of the ball down the ramp, accounting for rotational velocity has been provided, this is the initial velocity...
  39. H

    Projectile motion -- throwing an object vertically

    I don't need to know how to solve this but I was just looking for the answer. Can anyone help? A man is standing at a launch site. The rocket doesn't liftoff. Frustrated s/he throws it straight up with a speed of 12.42 m/s. It is caught on the way down at a point 5.0 meters above where it was...
  40. randomphysicsguy123

    Projectile Motion (not on Earth)

    I know I need to solve for acceleration as I am not on Earth and I am assuming I should create a distance vs. time graph. But overall I am unsure what to do. Please help been stuck on this for a while.
  41. T

    Mechanics; grade 12 Projectile motion

    Summary:: Scooby-Doo wants a Scooby Snack. According to a website I looked up last night, Scooby can run at a speed of 36 km/h. He runs up a ramp (as shown, 2.0 meters high, 4.0 meters long) at that speed and off the edge. Three meters from the end of the ramp, Shaggy has a Scooby-Snack...
  42. Mahfuz_Saim

    Will the pebble meet with the block according to the given condition?

    Question 1: I have used v= Aω*cos(ωt+δ) where A= 0.2 m, ω= π/3, t=1 and δ=0. Are the values right in this case? I am confused. Question 2: From question 1 I have got the value of V which is 9 m/s. By using v= ω√(A^2-x^2), I have got the value of x. Now, do I need to add it with 2.5(distance...
  43. S

    Projectile motion of a moving target

    this is problem #57 from chapter 4 of "Physics for engineers and scientists vol1" ,it was solved in the book by a method the author calls "successive approximation, he first calculated the flight time of the projectile and then "corrected" for the ship's displacement. i know this is a perfectly...
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