In projectile motion, why we take y-component for 'TF'?

In summary, the conversation discusses the components of projectile motion and how the y component is used to calculate the time of flight. The time of flight is defined as the elapsed time between launch and impact, and it is determined by the vertical motion of the projectile. The total time taken for a projectile to reach a point on a horizontal plane is also referred to as the time of flight.
  • #1
Indranil
177
11
In projectile motion, we have two components one is x and another is y. x = u cosθ and y = u sinθ
But why do I take the' y' component for calculating the 'time of flight' not the 'x' component?
y = ut sinθ - 1/2 gt^2, t = 2u sinθ / g
 
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  • #2
What determines the "time of flight" is when it hits the ground. And that involves the vertical motion. (If it only moved horizontally, then it would never hit the ground.)
 
  • #3
What is meant by "time of flight?"
 
  • #4
Chandra Prayaga said:
What is meant by "time of flight?"
The elapsed time between launch and impact. Start a stopwatch when the projectile is launched. Stop it when it lands. The reading on the stopwatch is the "time of flight".
 
  • #5
Chandra Prayaga said:
What is meant by "time of flight?"
When a particle projected from any point [consider O] and reaches the same horizontal plane at any point [consoder B]. The total time taken to reach B is the time of flight.
 

1. Why do we need to consider the y-component in projectile motion?

The y-component, or vertical component, is important in projectile motion because it determines the height and trajectory of the projectile. Without considering the y-component, we would not be able to accurately predict where the projectile will land.

2. What is the significance of 'TF' in projectile motion?

'TF' stands for time of flight, which is the total amount of time the projectile is in the air. It is important to consider the y-component in calculating the time of flight because the projectile's vertical motion affects how long it will remain in the air.

3. Can't we just focus on the x-component in projectile motion?

No, it is not sufficient to only consider the x-component in projectile motion. The motion of a projectile is two-dimensional, meaning both the x and y components must be taken into account to accurately predict its path and landing point.

4. How does the y-component affect the range of a projectile?

The range of a projectile, or the horizontal distance it travels, is affected by the y-component because the vertical motion of the projectile affects its time of flight. The longer the projectile remains in the air, the farther it will travel horizontally.

5. Do we need to consider the y-component even if the projectile is launched horizontally?

Yes, the y-component is still important even if the projectile is launched horizontally. While the initial velocity in the y-direction may be zero, the projectile will still experience acceleration due to gravity, which will affect its trajectory and landing point.

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