Projectile motion (am I on drugs?)

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with projectile motion and the attempts made to solve it. The equations used include constant acceleration and data such as initial and final positions and velocities. The conversation also mentions a possible mistake due to being on drugs.
  • #1
Saladsamurai
3,020
7
[SOLVED] Projectile motion (am I on drugs?)

Homework Statement


I can't believe how much time I have spent on this.
Picture4-1.png



Homework Equations


Constant acceleration



The Attempt at a Solution


Here is the data I am using to solve for
[itex]V_a[/itex]
[itex]x_0=0[/itex],
[itex]x_f=30[/itex],
[itex]y_0=7[/itex],
[itex]y_f=10[/itex],
[itex]a_y=-g=-32.2[/itex],
[itex]V_{0y}=V_a\sin30[/itex],
[itex]V_{0x}=V_a\cos30[/itex]

From x direction:
[tex]\Delta X=V_{0x}t\Rightarrow t=\frac{30}{V_a\cos30}[/tex]


From y direction:
[tex]\Delta Y=V_{oy}+.5a_yt^2[/tex]
[tex]\Rightarrow 3= V_a\sin30*(\frac{30}{V_a\cos30})-16.1[\frac{30}{V_a\cos30}]^2[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow 3=30\tan30-16.1*(\frac{40}{V_a})^2[/tex]

Which gets me a negative under the radical!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
seriously I am about to lose it. i have been over this like ten times!
 
  • #3
Where's the negative under the radical? 40 and [tex]V_a[/tex] are both positive, right? ...
 
  • #4
How'd you get that "40" under the radical, anyway?? I get 34.64 ...
 
  • #5
Oh wow. I better look into that drugs thing. The solution is 36.7 but I am getting 42.2. But then again, I'm on drugs. So let me check again.

Thanks B.
 
  • #6
Yeah, your right Bells (mind if I call you Bells?). I'm cooked this semester. Thanks for the help.

Casey
 
  • #7
Happens to the best of us ... keep at it.
 

Related to Projectile motion (am I on drugs?)

1. What is projectile motion and how does it work?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object in a curved path due to the force of gravity. It works by the object being launched at an initial velocity and then moving along a parabolic path until it reaches the ground.

2. How is projectile motion different from regular motion?

Projectile motion is different from regular motion because it involves both horizontal and vertical components. In regular motion, the object only moves in one direction, while in projectile motion, the object moves in both horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously.

3. What factors affect the trajectory of a projectile?

The factors that affect the trajectory of a projectile include the initial velocity, the angle of launch, the height of the launch point, and the force of gravity. These factors can be manipulated to change the path of the projectile.

4. How is projectile motion used in real life?

Projectile motion is used in various real-life scenarios, such as throwing a ball, shooting a basketball, or launching a rocket. It is also used in sports, engineering, and military applications.

5. Can projectile motion be affected by external forces?

Yes, projectile motion can be affected by external forces such as air resistance or wind. These forces can alter the trajectory of the projectile and need to be taken into account when calculating its motion.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
915
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
974
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
Back
Top