Projectile Motion: only g and t known

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a hot air balloon ascending with constant acceleration and a ball thrown horizontally after a set time. The known variables include the time the ball is in the air and the acceleration due to gravity. The participants are tasked with determining the balloon's acceleration, the initial height of the ball, and the height of the balloon when the ball reaches the ground.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the balloon's upward motion and the ball's horizontal throw, noting the ball's trajectory forms a parabola. There are attempts to combine kinematic equations to find the unknowns, but some express difficulty due to perceived insufficient known variables.

Discussion Status

Some participants have shared their attempts at solving the problem using kinematic equations, while others are seeking additional ideas or clarification. There is recognition of the complexity of the problem, and some have indicated that they have made progress in understanding the relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is part of a Grade 12 Physics class and express urgency due to a looming deadline for submission. There is mention of a class-wide struggle to arrive at a solution, indicating that this may be a challenging topic for the group.

joshmdmd
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Homework Statement


There is a hot air balloon on the ground. It moves upwards at a constant acceleration. After 30 seconds someone throws a ball horizontally. An observer times the ball in the air to be 10 seconds.

Knowns:
Time of the ball: 10seconds
Gravity: 9.8m/s

You are to find:
a) the balloons acceleration
b) initial height at which the ball is thrown
c) height of the balloon when the ball hits the ground
d) ask God for forgiveness

Answers
a) 0.65m/s2
b) 294m
c) 522m


Homework Equations



vf^2=vi^2+2ad
d=vi(t)+0.5(a)t^2
d=vf(t)+0.5(a)t^2
d=vt
vf=vi+a(t)
d=0.5(vi+vf)t

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to combine formulas but when I did i had gotten incorrect answers.
There are not enough knowns to solve it directly. The class (20 people) couldn't get it after 30min.. This is Grade 12 Physics..

I know that because the ball is moving horizontally then the velocity going horizontal is constant, and that because as it is thrown the balloon is moving upwards then the ball also has a velocity upwards, creating a parabola.
 
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any ideas would help really.. i have to figure this out and hand it in tommorow.
 
joshmdmd said:

Homework Statement


There is a hot air balloon on the ground. It moves upwards at a constant acceleration. After 30 seconds someone throws a ball horizontally. An observer times the ball in the air to be 10 seconds.

Knowns:
Time of the ball: 10seconds
Gravity: 9.8m/s

You are to find:
a) the balloons acceleration
b) initial height at which the ball is thrown
c) height of the balloon when the ball hits the ground
d) ask God for forgiveness

Answers
a) 0.65m/s2
b) 294m
c) 522m


Homework Equations



vf^2=vi^2+2ad
d=vi(t)+0.5(a)t^2
d=vf(t)+0.5(a)t^2
d=vt
vf=vi+a(t)
d=0.5(vi+vf)t

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to combine formulas but when I did i had gotten incorrect answers.
There are not enough knowns to solve it directly. The class (20 people) couldn't get it after 30min.. This is Grade 12 Physics..

I know that because the ball is moving horizontally then the velocity going horizontal is constant, and that because as it is thrown the balloon is moving upwards then the ball also has a velocity upwards, creating a parabola.

Balloon:
y=(1/2)a.30^2; vy=30a;

Ball:
y=10vy - (1/2)g.10^2;

Thus: -(1/2)a.30^2=10vy-(1/2)g.100 = 10.30a - (1/2)g100
a = 0.654 m/s^2
etc.
 
dam.. i figured it was something like that.. i figured it out the in the morning the next day and yah.. fun stuff =]
 

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