Ball be thrown to have maximum horizontal distance

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the trajectory of a ball thrown eastward across level ground, influenced by a constant horizontal wind force equal to the ball's weight. The objective is to determine the angle at which the ball should be thrown to achieve maximum horizontal distance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the ball's velocity components and the wind's effect, questioning the nature of horizontal acceleration and its implications on the projectile motion equations.
  • Some participants attempt to derive the time of flight and range equations, while others express confusion about the role of mass in their calculations.
  • There are inquiries regarding the reasoning behind certain assumptions, particularly about the direction of forces and their impact on the motion of the ball.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem and attempting to clarify their understanding of the equations involved. Some have provided guidance on deriving the necessary equations, while others are still grappling with the implications of the wind force and how it affects their calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of projectile motion under non-standard conditions, specifically the influence of a constant horizontal force. There is a lack of consensus on certain aspects, particularly regarding the treatment of horizontal acceleration and its effects on the overall motion.

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Homework Statement



A ball is thrown eastward across level ground. A wind blows horizontally to the east, and assume that the effect of the wind is to provide a constant force to the east, equal in magnitude to the weight of the ball. At what angle theta (to the horizxontal) should the ball be thrown to have maximum horizontal distance

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



is this correct

I believe the final vector for maximum distance should be v = i + j

The vector for the wind is w = mass(ball)i

So the vector of the ball being thrown pluss the wind vector, must equal the final vector v

mass(ball)i + xi + yj = i + j

x = 1-mass(ball), and y = 1

thus the thrown vector is (1-mass(ball))i + y
 
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You have to deal this problem as the projectile motion problem.
Only difference is the horizontal component of the velocity is not constant. The acceleration in this direction is also g.
Find the time of flight and range.
To find theta for maximum range, find the derivative of the range and equate it to zero.
 


hmmmmm never thought of it that way... still stuck though

vox = vcos[tex]\theta[/tex] + mB, where mB = mass of the ball

I do not understand how the horizontal acceleration is g, if i take that into account wouldn't that make the velocity vox = vcos[tex]\theta[/tex] + mBg. could you please elaborate on that statement
 


The time of flight = 2vsinθ/g.
Horizontal acceleration = mg.
So the range R = vcosθ*2vsinθ/g + 1/2*mg*(2sinθ/g)^2
Find dR/dθ and equate to zero to find θ for maximum range.
 


could u elaborate on how you got the time of flight

x = [tex]\frac{2v^{2}cosQsinQ}{g}[/tex] +[tex]\frac{2mv^{2}sin^{2}Q}{g}[/tex]

x = [tex]\frac{2v^{2}}{g}[/tex][cosQsinQ + msin2Q]

dx/dQ = [tex]\frac{2v^{2}}{g}[/tex][2cos - 2QsinQ + 2msinQcosQ] + [cosQsinQ + msin2Q]

how do i set that to 0, i could do it if that m was not there. did i make a mistake
 


CosqsinQ = 1/2*sin2Q
dx/dQ = 2v^2/g(cos2Q - msin2Q)
Now equate it to zero and find Q.
 


rl.bhat said:
The time of flight = 2vsinθ/g.
Horizontal acceleration = mg.
So the range R = vcosθ*2vsinθ/g - 1/2*mg*(2sinθ/g)^2
Find dR/dθ and equate to zero to find θ for maximum range.

dR/dθ = 2v^2/g( cos2θ - msin2θ )
Equate it to zero and find θ.
 


ok

[tex]\frac{dx}{dQ}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{2v^{2}}{g}[/tex][cosQ + msin2Q]

so i must get cosQ + msin2Q = 0


I still don't see how to solve for Q when the m is in the equation...


Also could you please elaberate on how you solved for t...
 


R/dθ = 2v^2/g( cos2θ - msin2θ ) = 0
Or cos2θ = msin2
Or sin2θ/cos2θ = 1/m
so tan2θ = 1/m
 
  • #10


so

[tex]\theta[/tex] = [tex]\frac{arctan(1/m))}{2}[/tex]

The problem states there is a numberical answer
 
  • #11


rl.bhat said:
The time of flight = 2vsinθ/g.
Horizontal acceleration = mg.
So the range R = vcosθ*2vsinθ/g + 1/2*mg*(2sinθ/g)^2
Find dR/dθ and equate to zero to find θ for maximum range.
Sorry. I have edit this post.
Horizontal acceleration is g, not mg. So the range is given by

So the range R = vcosθ*2vsinθ/g - 1/2*g*(2vsinθ/g)^2
=V2*sin2θ/g - 2v2sin2θ/g
= v2/g[sin2θ - 2sin2θ]
now find dR/dθ and equate it to zero.
 
  • #12


x = v2/g[sin2Q + 2sin2Q]

dx = v2/g[2cos2Q + 4sinQcosQ] = 0

Q = 67.5
 
  • #13


joemama69 said:
x = v2/g[sin2Q + 2sin2Q]

dx = v2/g[2cos2Q + 4sinQcosQ] = 0

Q = 67.5
It is not correct.
2cos2Q - 2sin2Q = 0, because the force of wind opposes the motion.
 
  • #14


The ball is thrown eastward... a wind blows horizontally to the east...

doesnt that mean that the ball and the wind are in the same direction, not opposing

also please explain your reasoning for find t, it is really buggin me
 
Last edited:
  • #15


joemama69 said:
The ball is thrown eastward... a wind blows horizontally to the east...

doesnt that mean that the ball and the wind are in the same direction, not opposing

also please explain your reasoning for find t, it is really buggin me
I am sorry. I didn't notice that.
While going up the particle experiences two accelerations. Vertical acceleration reduces the vertical component of the velocity. The horizontal acceleration has no effect on vy. So the time of will not change due to the horizontal acceleration.
 
Last edited:
  • #16


ok so could u explain the t now...

do you agree with my answer
 

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