A Different kind of kinematics problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a kinematics problem involving a motorcycle jump over obstacles, specifically focusing on the conditions required for a successful landing on a ramp. The original poster describes the scenario where the motorcycle must land without bouncing, necessitating that the landing velocity is parallel to the ramp.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the x and y components of velocity, with some attempting to determine the conditions under which the motorcycle's trajectory aligns with the ramp's slope. Questions arise regarding how to find the specific point on the trajectory where the tangent angle matches the ramp's angle.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between the velocity components and the ramp angle. There appears to be a productive exchange of ideas, with one participant expressing relief at the simplicity of the solution after receiving clarification.

Contextual Notes

The problem is framed within the constraints of a homework assignment, with specific parameters given for the motorcycle's initial velocity and the ramp's angle. The discussion reflects an exploration of these parameters without reaching a definitive conclusion.

numberjuan412
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A "Different" kind of kinematics problem..

A motorcycle daredevil wants to set a record for jumping over burning school buses. He has hired you to help with the design. He intends to ride off a horizontal platform at 40m/s, cross the burning buses in a pit below him, then land on a ramp sloping down at 20degrees. It's very important that he not bounce when he hits the landing ramp because that could cause him to lose control and crash. You immediately recognize that he won't bounce if his velocity is parallel to the ramp as he touches down. This can be accomplished if the ramp is tangent to his trajectory and if he lands right on the front edge of the ramp. There's no room for error! Your task is to determine where to place the landing ramp. That is, how far from the edge of the launching platform should the front edge of the landing ramp be horizontally and how far below it? There's a clause in your contract that requires you to test your design before the hero goes on national television to set the record.

Homework Statement


V_{xo} = 40m/s
V_{yo} = 0m/s



Homework Equations


I understand that I must find the point on the trajectory where the line tangent to the point is 20^{o}. But how exactly do I figure that out?

The Attempt at a Solution


I understand what it takes to solve this problem, my issue is how I figure out which point on the trajectory where the line tangent to the point is 20^{o}.
 
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The angle depends on the x and y components of the velocity at that point. Assuming no air resistance, the x-component is fixed, while the y-component can be determined in terms of other variables such as time using the standard kinematics equations.
 


The velocity on the x-direction is always constant, so I have to find the point where the velocity in the y-direction is 40tan20? err -40tan20...
 


I guess it is...wow this was simpler than i thought haha.

That's all I needed to know.

Thanks!
 

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