Are my calculations right? Also, not sure about a formula?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around two physics problems involving projectile motion. In Problem #1, participants struggle to determine the initial speed of a ball thrown horizontally from a height of 56m, with some suggesting the need to calculate time first. For Problem #2, the initial horizontal speed is given as 22.2 m/s, and participants confirm calculations for the building's height, which is found to be approximately 12.544 meters. Misunderstandings about vertical and horizontal velocities, as well as the correct application of projectile motion equations, are clarified throughout the conversation. The thread concludes with participants seeking further assistance on additional problems, indicating ongoing learning and engagement with the topic.
kLPantera
Messages
43
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Problem #1

A ball is thrown horizontally from the roof of a building 56m tall and lands 45m from the base. What was the ball's initial speed.

Problem #2

A ball thrown horizontally at 22.2m/s from the roof of a building lands 36.0 meters from the base of the building. How high is the building?

Homework Equations



Problem #1

Not sure which equation(s) I need to use. I know I have to find initial speed, but I think I have to find time to find initial speed. So I'm unsure as to how to find time, because time keeps giving me some trouble.

Problem #2

x=Vot + (1/2)at2
y=Vot + (1/2)gt2

The Attempt at a Solution



Problem #1

Don't know which equation(s) to use so, no attempt.

Problem #2 (Could someone please confirm my calculations for this one?)

Delta x = 36
Delta y = ?
Vo = 22
ax = 0
ay = -9.8m/s2
t = ?

x = Vot+ (1/2)at2
36 = 22t
t = 1.6 seconds

y = Vot + (1/2)at2
y = (22)(1.6) + (1/2)(-9.8)(1.6)2
y = 35.2 - 12.544
y = 22.656
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Problem #1:
As far as I can tell the question is related to projectile motion in 2 dimensions while your equations will only work for 1 dimension motion and because I'm new to physics as well I'll do my best to help you out.

A simple equation I found for initial velocity is: Square root (g/2 delta y) * delta x
In which g= gravity, 2 delta y= delta y * 2And Problem #2

Simple Equation for delta y is (1/2)g * delta t squared

And to find delta t it is delta x/initial velocity*cos angle

And angle is 0
 
I don't know if my calculation for time is right though.
 
Problem #2:

Your answer is incorrect, although your technique is fine.

The question states that the ball is thrown horizontally at a speed of 22 m/s.
Therefore, the initial horizontal velocity is 22 m/s.

What is the initial vertical velocity? (Hint, it's NOT 22 m/s).
 
Problem #2

Is the time I calculated wrong too? Or is it just the second part of my calculations that is wrong?

So to find Viy I should do:
Vix = Vo cos(theta)?
 
kLPantera said:
Is the time I calculated wrong too? Or is it just the second part of my calculations that is wrong?
The calculated time is correct.



kLPantera said:
So to find Viy I should do:
Vix = Vo cos(theta)?
No...
To find Viy, you use Viy = Vo sin(theta).

Vix = Vo cos(theta) is obviously used to find Vix.
 
Vo = 22 m/s as well?

I would have to calculate theta too wouldn't I?

I tried an equation:
Vfy = Viy+ayt
0 = Viy + (-9.8)(1.6)
Viy = 15.68 m/s

Delta y = Viyt + (1/2)gt2
Delta y = (15.68)(1.6) + (1/2)(-9.8)(1.6)2
Delta y = 25.088 - 12.544
Delta y = 12.544 meters

(The answer some other people in my class calculated was 12.8 meters)

Is this correct?
 
kLPantera said:
Delta y = 12.544 meters

Is this correct?
Your answer is correct, but your technique is still wrong...


kLPantera said:
Vfy = Viy+ayt
0 = Viy + (-9.8)(1.6)
This says that after falling some distance, the velocity of the ball is Viy = 0 m/s.
This is not likely, since we know that the acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s/s.
The ball can only gain speed.


kLPantera said:
I would have to calculate theta too wouldn't I?
Yes, but it's given to you...
"A ball is thrown horizontally..."
 
Oh right how did I miss that...

So since it's thrown horizontally, theta = 0 right?

So then Viy = 0

Then use the equation:

Delta y = Viyt + (1/2)gt2
Delta y = (0)(1.6) + (1/2)(-9.8)(1.6)2
Delta y = -12.544

However since it's a building, the answer would be +12.544 right?

----------------------------------------------------------------

Also I tried Problem #1 some more could you point me in a direction?

I did

Theta = tan-1(-56/45) = -51.215 degrees

Vfy2 = Viy2 + 2ay Delta y
0 = Viy2 +2(-9.8)(56)
Viy2 = 1097.6
Viy = 33.13

Viy = Vosin(theta)
33.13 = Vosin(-51.215)
Vo = 33.13/sin(-51.215)
Vo = -25.8249
 
  • #10
kLPantera said:
Oh right how did I miss that...

So since it's thrown horizontally, theta = 0 right?

So then Viy = 0

Then use the equation:

Delta y = Viyt + (1/2)gt2
Delta y = (0)(1.6) + (1/2)(-9.8)(1.6)2
Delta y = -12.544

However since it's a building, the answer would be +12.544 right?

That's correct. The formula finds the displacement in the y-direction which, in this case, is down (hence the negative result).




kLPantera said:
Also I tried Problem #1 some more could you point me in a direction?

I did

Theta = tan-1(-56/45) = -51.215 degrees

Vfy2 = Viy2 + 2ay Delta y
0 = Viy2 +2(-9.8)(56)
Viy2 = 1097.6
Viy = 33.13

Viy = Vosin(theta)
33.13 = Vosin(-51.215)
Vo = 33.13/sin(-51.215)
Vo = -25.8249

You calculated the angle of displacement; you need the angle of trajectory.

Again: "A ball is thrown horizontally..."
 
  • #11
Since the ball is thrown horizontally that means Vo = Vix right? Since the Viy = 0 because there is no vertical velocity. This also means that (theta) = 0 degrees right?

But when I try to find Viy I get:

Viy = Vosin(theta)
Vo = 0/sin(0)

But that's undefined since sin(0) is 0 and you can't divide by 0.

I was figuring I would find Viy and then use the equation: Delta y = Viyt + (1/2)gt2 to find time.

Then use the equation: V = Vo + gt to find Vo.
 
  • #12
kLPantera said:
Since the ball is thrown horizontally that means Vo = Vix right? Since the Viy = 0 because there is no vertical velocity. This also means that (theta) = 0 degrees right?

But when I try to find Viy I get:

Viy = Vosin(theta)
Vo = 0/sin(0)

But that's undefined since sin(0) is 0 and you can't divide by 0.

You can't do that!

Consider X = 2 * 0
X = 0

But X \div[/tex] 0 \ne[/tex] 2.<br /> <br /> <br /> You'll have to go about it a different way...
 
  • #13
Is it plausible to first find time then use the equation:

Delta x = Vixt + (1/2)at2

Since ax = 0, the second half of the equation would be gone then right?

So I could find Vix = Delta x/t

And I think Vix = Vo, that would be my answer?
 
  • #14
You got it!
 
  • #15
... the problem is: you only know \Delta[/tex]x<br /> so you need to find either Vi<sub>x</sub> or t ...
 
  • #16
I tried a different way by doing:

Delta y = Viyt + (1/2)(g)(t^2)
-56 = -4.9t2
t= 3.3

Then:

Delta x = Vot + (1/2)axt2
45 = Vix(3.3)
Vix = 13.63

Is this correct now? I think it is.
-----------------------------------

Also would you mind if I asked you about another problem, I'm not sure if my answer is correct because. I did not catch the answer my teacher said it should be.
 
  • #17
Great job!
 
  • #18
kLPantera said:
Also would you mind if I asked you about another problem, I'm not sure if my answer is correct because. I did not catch the answer my teacher said it should be.

Sure, but you should either start a new thread, or PM me...
 
Back
Top