Find the max height of the second projectile relative to seal level

In summary, the problem involves a projectile launched at 110.0 m/s at 40.0° above the horizontal off a cliff 250.0 m above sea level. After 4.00 s of flight, a second projectile is launched at 50.0 m/s at 15.0° below the horizontal. Part a asks for the maximum height of the second projectile relative to sea level, which is found to be 472m. Part b involves finding the range of the second projectile when it reaches sea level, which can be solved using position and velocity functions. The range is determined by adding the distance traveled by the first projectile (337m) to the distance traveled by the second projectile using its initial velocity relative
  • #1
PhysicsFTW22
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Homework Statement


A projectile is launched at 110.0 m/s at 40.0° above the horizontal off a cliff that is 250.0 m above sea level. After 4.00 s of flight, this projectile launches a second projectile at 50.0 m/s directed at 15.0° below the horizontal.
a) Find the max height of the second projectile relative to seal level.
b) Find the range of the second projectile when it reaches sea level.


Homework Equations


In x-direction: x=(vicos∅)t , vi=vf , vix= vicos∅
In y-direction: y=yi + vit + .5at^2 , v=vi+at , vi=visin∅

The Attempt at a Solution



I got the answer to part a, 472m. However, I am lost at trying to find an answer to part b. Using x=(vi)(t)=(110cos40)(4)=337m, I used that as the range the first projectile goes before releasing the second projectile. Now in trying to find how far the second projectile goes when it hits sea level, I plan on adding that to the first range. Any thoughts?
 
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  • #2
Using position functions:

[itex]x=v[/itex]i[itex]*t*cosθ[/itex]

[itex]y=v[/itex]i[itex]*t*sinθ-\frac{1}{2}*9.81*t^2+y[/itex]o

You get the position of projectile 1 as (337.060, 454.347) when the second projectile is released. Using velocity equation:

[itex]v=v[/itex]i[itex]+at[/itex]

The velocity at t(4) is (84.265 [itex]\hat{i}[/itex], 31.467 [itex]\hat{j}[/itex]), neglecting drag.

Projectile 2 is released at 50 m/s at 15°, which is added to the velocity of projectile 1, resulting in an initial velocity of (132.561 [itex]\hat{i}[/itex], 18.526 [itex]\hat{j}[/itex]). Do note that the launch velocity in the y direction was subtracted from the value for projectile 1 because it was in the downward direction, and I believe this was at a time that the projectile was still rising; if it was falling you would just add the initial velocity of projectile 2 relative to projectile 1, which was 12.941 [itex]\hat{j}[/itex], to the velocity of projectile 1 at t(4).

You then use this velocity to find the time at which projectile 2 will hit the ground, then use the position function to find the range. I know this was a bit of a mess, but it should help. I can work it out further if necessary.
 

1. What is the definition of "max height" in regards to a projectile?

The maximum height of a projectile is the highest point that it reaches during its flight.

2. How is the max height of a projectile measured?

The max height of a projectile is typically measured in units of length, such as meters or feet.

3. What factors affect the max height of a projectile?

The max height of a projectile is affected by the initial velocity, angle of launch, air resistance, and gravity.

4. How is the max height of a projectile calculated?

The max height of a projectile can be calculated using the equation h = (v^2 sin^2θ) / 2g, where h is the max height, v is the initial velocity, θ is the angle of launch, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

5. Why is it important to calculate the max height of a projectile?

Calculating the max height of a projectile is important for understanding its trajectory and predicting its landing point, which can be useful in various applications such as sports, engineering, and military operations.

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