2D Vector Kinematics Problem (projectile)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a 2D vector kinematics problem involving projectile motion. The scenario describes a ball kicked to a height of 2.0 m, which lands 1.2 seconds later at a horizontal distance of 6.5 m, prompting participants to calculate the initial and final horizontal and vertical components of the ball's velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of kinematic equations to find the vertical component of velocity, questioning how to account for the ball's height and the time of flight. Some express uncertainty about the vertical displacement and the initial velocity components.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering guidance on which equations to use and clarifying the distinction between vertical displacement and distance. There is recognition of the complexity in determining initial and final velocities, but no consensus has been reached on a complete solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of specific information regarding the vertical displacement and initial vertical velocity, which complicates the calculations. The problem's constraints and the assumption of no horizontal acceleration are also acknowledged.

j3llzang
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Homework Statement


A person kicks a ball h of 2.0 m above the floor. If the ball flies at some angle and lands 1.2 s later at horiz d of 6.5 m from its orig. place, calc. the orig. horiz and vert. comp.s of the ball's v.
Calc. the final components of the ball's v.
(Assume the ball has no horiz. accel.)

Homework Equations


v = vo + at
v^2 = vo^2 + 2ad
d = volt + 1/2 (at^2)
g = -9.8 m/s^2

The Attempt at a Solution


Although I am given the time, I cannot divide time into 2 for getting the time it takes to reach the highest point (since it has to come down the 2.0m height)
I found out vx (which is constant throughout) = (6.5m / 1.2s) = 5.4167 m/s
But I am stuck.
Any idea? (or is there not enough info given in the question?)

Cheers,
 
Last edited:
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to find the vertical component, simply use the second equation of motion (just write down the equation and you will realize that you have enough info). Don't worry about the going up and coming down issue, the equation takes care of it :-)
 
Sourabh N said:
to find the vertical component, simply use the second equation of motion (just write down the equation and you will realize that you have enough info). Don't worry about the going up and coming down issue, the equation takes care of it :-)

You mean v^2 = vo^2 + 2ad?
or
d=volt + 1/2 (at^2)

Even if I were to use either one, I can't solve vf or vo for vertical, since I do not have dy (it would be bigger than 2.0m, because it moves up first)
I am also not given the vo...
thanks for the quick reply, though :)
 
Yes the second equation you wrote is the one useful here.

And remember, d is the vertical "displacement", not distance. So whatever way the ball moved (up or down), it's the final position that matters.

Imagine I throws a projectile from ground. After it comes back to ground doing the parabolic motion, it's vertical displacement is.. ZERO!
 
Sourabh N said:
Yes the second equation you wrote is the one useful here.

And remember, d is the vertical "displacement", not distance. So whatever way the ball moved (up or down), it's the final position that matters.

Imagine I throws a projectile from ground. After it comes back to ground doing the parabolic motion, it's vertical displacement is.. ZERO!

Ahh,, I see your point! :)
However, there's still a problem of finding voy or vfy...
I can't put any of these two as zero, since there is the initial "kick" to the ball, which means at the bottom of its parabolic shape (above the 2.0m height), its v is not going to be zero...
Any idea? :P
 
I"m not sure what you mean (which is probably my fault), so I'll assume what I think is what you mean and answer.

The second equation you wrote in Post #3, should give you initial vertical velocity component (since you know d, t and g). Then the first equation in same post should give you final vertical velocity component (since you know everything else).

Oh, and you know the final horizontal velocity already!
 
Last edited:
aha! I misinterpreted your reply.
I got it all figured out now. Thanks a lot ;)
 

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