Basketball Problem: Initial Speed to Make Shot

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a basketball player attempting to calculate the initial speed required to make a shot from a distance of 8.0 m at an angle of 30.0° to reach a basket that is 3.05 m high. The player is 2.00 m tall, and the equations of motion are being applied to find the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the application of projectile motion equations, specifically focusing on the vertical and horizontal components of the motion. There are attempts to clarify the values of trigonometric functions and their impact on the calculations. Some participants express confusion regarding the setup of the equations and the relationships between the variables involved.

Discussion Status

Several participants are providing feedback on each other's calculations, pointing out potential errors in the use of trigonometric values and algebraic manipulation. There is an ongoing exploration of the equations used and the assumptions made, with some suggestions for reevaluating the approach to simplify the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of the projectile motion equations, with specific attention to the initial conditions and the height of the basket relative to the player's height. There is mention of confusion regarding the coordinate system and the interpretation of the equations.

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Homework Statement



A basketball player who is 2.00 m tall is standing on the floor L = 8.0 m from the basket, as in Figure P4.54. If he shoots the ball at a 30.0° angle with the horizontal, at what initial speed must he throw so that it goes through the hoop without striking the backboard? The basket height is 3.05 m.


Homework Equations



y=Yo+Voyt-(g/2)t squared
X=Xo+Voxt-(g/2)t squared


The Attempt at a Solution



Vxo=cos(30)
Vyo=sin(30)
Vo (cos 30)=8

3.05=2.00+Vo-4.9t squared
3.05=10-4.9t squared
t=square root (6.95/4.9)
=1.191

Vo=8/(.7071*1.191)
=9.499


However, this is wrong...any suggesions??
 
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first check your cos 30 value.
 
oops...the the cosign value of 30 is .8660254038. So I take that value and multiply it by the square root of 6.95/4.9. Which is 1.191. I divide 8 by that product. Correct? My answer comes out to be 7.7561749; however, that is appearantly wrong. What am I doing wrong?
 
your sin value gets bollixed as well and the volt (first order term) disappears--2Vo becomes 10. There may be more issues but start with those. Careful algebra for starts.
John
 
I have 2 Vo becoming 10 in my equation. I have:
3.05=10-4.9t squared
 
think we'are cross threaded, maybe I'm missing something
but,

y=Yo+sin(30)Vo*t+1/2at^2 going to 3.05=10-4.9t squared has me confused
 
bc 3.05 was the height of the basket. I set the equation :Yo+sin(30)Vo*t+1/2at^2 equal to the height of the basket. I am pretty confused. I'm not sure what I'm doing at this point:rolleyes: I have my final equation looking like Vo=8/(cosign30 * 1.191). I found the 1.191 by taking the square root of 6.95/4.9...AHHH!
 
Lets try a fresh start.

first assuming a conventional x/y horizontal and vertical coordinate system:

your eqn for Y is correct, x is not. Since there is no acceleration in in this direction, its simply
x=cos(30)Vo*t. But we do know how far the ball has to travel 8m.
so 8/cos(30)=Vo*t Now can we use that info in the Y eqn to make life simpler? For sure and I think you were close, so patience, my friend. Beware tho i think there may still be one wrinkle ahead.
 
Last edited:

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