Angle below horizontal projectile question

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a projectile motion scenario where a ball rolls off an incline from a height of 9.0 meters with an initial velocity of 22 m/s at an angle of 32° below the horizontal. The goal is to determine how far from the base of the building the ball will land.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations for horizontal and vertical components of the motion, questioning the consistency of sign conventions for initial and final velocities. There are also inquiries about the correct application of kinematic equations and the implications of taking square roots in the context of velocity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on ensuring consistent sign usage in calculations. There are indications of attempts to clarify misunderstandings regarding the calculation of time and the appropriate signs for velocities. Multiple interpretations of the setup and calculations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential discrepancies in the calculations, particularly regarding the signs of velocities and the application of kinematic equations. There is an acknowledgment of a possible error in the time calculation, but no resolution has been reached.

jdang
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Homework Statement


  • a ball rolls off an incline on top of a 9.0m building
  • at a velocity of 22m/s
  • 32° below the horizontal
  • how far from the base of the building will the ball hit the ground?
  • [ANS = 11m)

Homework Equations


  • vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad
  • d = ((vf+vi)/2)t
  • d = vt

The Attempt at a Solution


  • x (um)
    • v = 22cos32 = 18.657...m/s
  • y (uam)
    • a = -9.81m/s^2
    • vi = -22sin32 = -11.658...m/s
    • d = 9.0m

  • vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad
vf^2 = (-11.658...m/s)^2 + (2*-9.81m/s^2*-9.0m)
vf^2 = 312.494...m^2/s^2
vf = 17.677...m/s

  • d = ((vf+vi)/2)t
d=((vf+vi)/2)t
-9.0m = ((17.677...m/s - 11.658...m/s)/2)t
t = ((17.677...m/s - 11.658...m/s)/2) / 9.0m
t = 0.334...s

  • d = vt
d = (18.657...m/s)(0.334...s)
d = 6.495...m
d = 6.5m

I'm not sure where I made my mistake since I am about 4.5m off.
 

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Vi.y is positive (same direction as gravity, which you made positive)

Or if you made gravity negative, then Vf.y should be negative.

Either way it needs to be consistent.
 
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jdang said:
vf^2 = (-11.658...m/s)^2 + (2*-9.81m/s^2*-9.0m)
vf^2 = 312.494...m^2/s^2
vf = 17.677...m/s
When taking a square root, you have two choices of sign. Which sign is appropriate here?
-9.0m = ((17.677...m/s - 11.658...m/s)/2)t
t = ((17.677...m/s - 11.658...m/s)/2) / 9.0m

You didn't solve for t correctly here.
 
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Nathanael said:
Vi.y is positive (same direction as gravity, which you made positive)

Or if you made gravity negative, then Vf.y should be negative.

Either way it needs to be consistent.
Sorry, I calculated it negative but I forgot to type it up with the negative sign. I will make vfy negative, thank you!
 
TSny said:
When taking a square root, you have two choices of sign. Which sign is appropriate here?

You didn't solve for t correctly here.
Thank you!
 

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