How Do You Solve the Freefall Catching Problem in Physics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter chiamocha
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Freefall
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on solving a physics problem involving projectile motion where one friend throws a ball while the other runs to catch it. The key points include the need to analyze the vertical and horizontal motions separately, as the vertical motion is influenced by gravity while the horizontal motion remains constant. The initial speed of the ball and the angle of projection are crucial for determining the components of its velocity. To find the time when the ball reaches the ground and when it should be thrown, the user is encouraged to apply relevant projectile motion equations. Understanding these concepts is essential for successfully solving the problem.
chiamocha
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Freefall "catching" problem

Homework Statement


I have been having trouble understanding this physics problem and am so confused as to how I would even start.

Two friends are playing "catch" on a level playing field. At t=0 the are at x = 0. At t = 0, the catcher is run-in in the positive x direction, with constant speed v0. At a later time t, the thrower tosses the all from ground level, with the ball's horizontal motion the in +x direction. The initial peed of the ball is 4v0. The initial velocity of the ball makes an angle (theta) with the x axis. The catcher catches the ball at time tc, just as it reaches the ground.

Solve for the time tc when the ball reaches the ground. Express your answer in terms of v0, (theta) t1, g(as magnitude of acceleration due to gravity), and/or other constants.

Solve for time t1 at which the ball must be thrown in rode to be caught by the catcher.

I would really like help on how I would first begin these two problems, then hopefully I can figure it out from there but, I am not sure how I would use an equation to find a time when the ball reaches the ground, wouldn't that just be when t=0 again? And I don't know how I would go about finding how I would know when the catcher could catch the ball. Any starting help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In this problem, t is not a spatial parameter. t represents 'time', so if the ball is thrown at t = 0, then t is not going to equal 0 again, unless you invent a machine capable of going back in time.

This is a problem in projectile motion. You have done projectile motion problems before, I trust?
 
I have a formula sheet that has the formulas that are used for projectile motion. But this is really my first exposure to these type of problems which is why I am having so much trouble even understanding them just conceptually.
 
In general, you separate the vertical motion of the ball from its horizontal motion and analyze them separately. The vertical motion of the ball is affected by gravity, while the horizontal motion remains unaffected, unless resistance due to motion thru air is to be considered (which, in these problems, is apparently not).

You are given the initial speed of the ball and the angle at which it is thrown. Can you determine the horizontal and vertical components of the ball's velocity?
 
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
Back
Top