Oh, I finally got it! those last three ideas really helped. i didn't realize that the initial y-component was supposed to be zero. Thanks a lot srmeier!
Oh I see.
So I guess my question is how do I find the x and y components correctly because I obviously did them wrong the first time. When I find the x and y components then I can find theta using inverse tan, correct?
No, I don't know what you mean by the intial velocity vector. I've never heard of it before :/.
I think the package is traveling faster in the x direction because wouldn't it have an initial velocity of 100 m/s?
For the x component I used the equation: Vox=VoCOS(theta)
Um I would guess that the horizontal speed doesn't change because velocity is constant in the x direction?
sorry I am a complete newbie to physics and I am trying to study for a test that I am not completely ready for at the moment
for the y component i got 44.8 and x component i got 89.4. I don't quite understand what you mean when you ask if the x component varies.
and yes, ignore air resistance. I am in my first year of physics so I am sure the problems can't be too complex for you guys.
Homework Statement
An Alaskan rescue plane drops a package of emergency rations to a stranded party of explorers. The plane is traveling horizontally at 100 m/s at a height of 50 m above the ground. What horizontal distance does the package travel before striking the ground? what is the...