Ball be thrown to have maximum horizontal distance

In summary, to throw the ball the maximum distance, the vector of the ball and the wind must equal the final vector. To find theta for maximum range, find the derivative of the range and equate it to zero.
  • #1
joemama69
399
0

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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  • #2


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.
 
  • #3


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
 
  • #4


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.
 
  • #5


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
 
  • #6


CosqsinQ = 1/2*sin2Q
dx/dQ = 2v^2/g(cos2Q - msin2Q)
Now equate it to zero and find Q.
 
  • #7


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.
 
  • #8


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...
 
  • #9


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
 

1. What is the optimal angle to throw a ball for maximum horizontal distance?

The optimal angle to throw a ball for maximum horizontal distance is 45 degrees. This angle allows for the perfect balance between the vertical and horizontal components of the ball's velocity, resulting in the longest horizontal distance.

2. Does the weight of the ball affect the maximum horizontal distance it can travel?

Yes, the weight of the ball does affect the maximum horizontal distance it can travel. A heavier ball will have a greater force of gravity acting on it, causing it to fall to the ground faster and reducing its horizontal distance. A lighter ball will experience less gravitational force and therefore have a longer distance.

3. How does air resistance impact the maximum horizontal distance of a thrown ball?

Air resistance, also known as drag, can significantly affect the maximum horizontal distance of a thrown ball. The force of air resistance acts in the opposite direction of the ball's motion, slowing it down and reducing its horizontal distance. This is why balls thrown in more dense air, such as at higher altitudes, will have a shorter horizontal distance compared to balls thrown in less dense air.

4. Can the surface on which the ball is thrown affect its maximum horizontal distance?

Yes, the surface on which the ball is thrown can affect its maximum horizontal distance. A smooth surface, such as a polished gym floor, will cause less friction and allow the ball to roll further. A rough surface, like grass or gravel, will have more friction and slow down the ball's horizontal distance.

5. How does the initial velocity of the ball impact its maximum horizontal distance?

The initial velocity, or speed, at which the ball is thrown does impact its maximum horizontal distance. The greater the initial velocity, the longer the ball will travel horizontally before hitting the ground. However, it is important to note that the angle of the throw also plays a significant role in the maximum horizontal distance, as mentioned in the first question.

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