Angle below horizontal projectile question

In summary: I will make sure to double check my calculations. In summary, a ball rolls off an incline on top of a 9.0m building at a velocity of 22m/s 32° below the horizontal and hits the ground at a distance of 6.5m from the base of the building. The calculations involved using the equations vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad, d = ((vf+vi)/2)t, and d = vt. The mistake in the calculation was not accounting for the appropriate sign when solving for t.
  • #1
jdang
3
0

Homework Statement


  • a ball rolls off an incline on top of a 9.0m building
  • at a velocity of 22m/s
  • 32° below the horizontal
  • how far from the base of the building will the ball hit the ground?
  • [ANS = 11m)

Homework Equations


  • vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad
  • d = ((vf+vi)/2)t
  • d = vt

The Attempt at a Solution


  • x (um)
    • v = 22cos32 = 18.657...m/s
  • y (uam)
    • a = -9.81m/s^2
    • vi = -22sin32 = -11.658...m/s
    • d = 9.0m

  • vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad
vf^2 = (-11.658...m/s)^2 + (2*-9.81m/s^2*-9.0m)
vf^2 = 312.494...m^2/s^2
vf = 17.677...m/s

  • d = ((vf+vi)/2)t
d=((vf+vi)/2)t
-9.0m = ((17.677...m/s - 11.658...m/s)/2)t
t = ((17.677...m/s - 11.658...m/s)/2) / 9.0m
t = 0.334...s

  • d = vt
d = (18.657...m/s)(0.334...s)
d = 6.495...m
d = 6.5m

I'm not sure where I made my mistake since I am about 4.5m off.
 

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  • #2
Vi.y is positive (same direction as gravity, which you made positive)

Or if you made gravity negative, then Vf.y should be negative.

Either way it needs to be consistent.
 
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  • #3
jdang said:
vf^2 = (-11.658...m/s)^2 + (2*-9.81m/s^2*-9.0m)
vf^2 = 312.494...m^2/s^2
vf = 17.677...m/s
When taking a square root, you have two choices of sign. Which sign is appropriate here?
-9.0m = ((17.677...m/s - 11.658...m/s)/2)t
t = ((17.677...m/s - 11.658...m/s)/2) / 9.0m

You didn't solve for t correctly here.
 
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  • #4
Nathanael said:
Vi.y is positive (same direction as gravity, which you made positive)

Or if you made gravity negative, then Vf.y should be negative.

Either way it needs to be consistent.
Sorry, I calculated it negative but I forgot to type it up with the negative sign. I will make vfy negative, thank you!
 
  • #5
TSny said:
When taking a square root, you have two choices of sign. Which sign is appropriate here?

You didn't solve for t correctly here.
Thank you!
 

1. What is the angle below horizontal in a projectile question?

The angle below horizontal in a projectile question refers to the angle at which an object is launched or thrown relative to the horizontal plane. It can also be described as the angle of elevation or depression.

2. How do you calculate the angle below horizontal in a projectile question?

The angle below horizontal can be calculated using trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, or tangent. The specific formula will depend on the given variables and the type of projectile motion (e.g. horizontal, vertical, or at an angle).

3. Why is the angle below horizontal important in projectile motion?

The angle below horizontal plays a crucial role in determining the trajectory and range of a projectile. Objects launched at different angles will follow different paths and reach different heights and distances.

4. Can the angle below horizontal be negative?

Yes, the angle below horizontal can be negative in certain situations. For example, if an object is launched downwards from a higher point, the angle below horizontal will be negative as it will be measured below the horizontal line.

5. How does the angle below horizontal impact the velocity of a projectile?

The angle below horizontal affects the vertical and horizontal components of the velocity of a projectile. A higher angle will result in a greater vertical velocity, while a lower angle will result in a greater horizontal velocity. The total velocity will be the combination of these two components.

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