Another projectile motion problem.

Click For Summary
A spring toy is launched at 2.3 m/s at a 78° angle, and the goal is to determine its maximum height. The vertical component of the initial velocity is calculated as 2.3sin(78°), leading to a vertical velocity of approximately 2.24 m/s. The time to reach maximum height is found to be about 0.5 seconds, but the calculations for vertical distance yield a negative value, indicating an error. The user expresses confusion over the equations used and seeks clarification on the correct approach to find the maximum height. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying kinematic equations in projectile motion problems.
-Dragoon-
Messages
308
Reaction score
7

Homework Statement


A spring toy is launched from the ground at 2.3 m/s at an angle of 78° to the ground. What is the maximum height reached by the spring toy?

Homework Equations


Vv = vertical velocity, V1 = initial velocity, Dv = vertical distance.
Δt = 2V1Sinθ/(acceleration)
ΔDv = VvΔt + 1/2(acceleration)(Δt^2)
Vv = V1Sinθ

The Attempt at a Solution


First I find the time, since I am given the initial velocity and the launch angle. I get a value of 0.5 seconds. Then I find the vertical velocity by using the equation above, and get about 2.24 m/s. Finally, I use all the information I calculated to find the vertical distance traveled by spring toy, and yield a negative value. What am I doing wrong? I am completely stumped as I haven't been taught any new equations to find the vertical distance. Thanks for all the help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
http://zonalandeducation.com/mstm/physics/mechanics/curvedMotion/projectileMotion/generalSolution/generalSolution.html"

The vertical component of the initial velocity is 2.3sin(78^{\circ}).
V_{f} = v_{0} + at
t = \frac{V_{f} - v_{0}}{a} = \frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81}.

D = v_{0}t + \frac{1}{2} at^{2} = (2.3sin(78^{\circ}))(\frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81}) + \frac{1}{2}(-9.81)(\frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81})^2 \approx .26 meters.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
dmouthfan2028 said:
http://zonalandeducation.com/mstm/physics/mechanics/curvedMotion/projectileMotion/generalSolution/generalSolution.html"

The vertical component of the initial velocity is 2.3sin(78^{\circ}).
V_{f} = v_{0} + at
t = \frac{V_{f} - v_{0}}{a} = \frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81}.

D = v_{0}t + \frac{1}{2} at^{2} = (2.3sin(78^{\circ}))(\frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81}) + \frac{1}{2}(-9.81)(\frac{0 - 2.3sin(78^{\circ})}{-9.81})^2 \approx .26 m
I used the formula and still get the same negative value.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
828
Replies
40
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K