Bottle Rocket Lab Homework: Calculating Initial Velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the initial velocity of a rocket made from a 2L bottle launched with pressurized water. Key parameters include a launch angle of 50 degrees, a maximum height of 26 meters, a hangtime of 5.18 seconds, an acceleration of 3.8 m/s², and a mass of 0.52 kg. The user seeks assistance in determining the initial velocity (vi) using the equation vi = vf - at, but lacks the final velocity (vf) needed for the calculation. The conversation highlights the complexities of motion with constant acceleration and the impact of air resistance on the rocket's trajectory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically vi = vf - at
  • Basic knowledge of projectile motion and its parameters
  • Familiarity with concepts of acceleration due to gravity and its effects
  • Awareness of the impact of air resistance on projectile motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation and application of kinematic equations in projectile motion
  • Learn how to calculate final velocity using height and time in projectile motion
  • Explore the effects of air resistance on the trajectory of projectiles
  • Investigate methods for measuring initial velocity in experimental physics
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, educators teaching kinematics, and hobbyists interested in rocketry and projectile motion analysis.

lacrosselem
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Homework Statement


In class we made rockets out of 2L bottles and launched them using pressurized water.
The angle that ours went at was 50 degress. Height was 26m. Hangtime 5.18s
acceleration 3.8m/s2 and the mass of the rocket was .52kg

Homework Equations



I am trying to find the initial velocity of the rocket.
vi=vf-at
only problem with that is that I don't have the final velocity either.

The Attempt at a Solution


I honostly have no idea where to start. I have no clue. Help please!
Thanks!
 
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lacrosselem said:

Homework Statement


In class we made rockets out of 2L bottles and launched them using pressurized water.
The angle that ours went at was 50 degress. Height was 26m. Hangtime 5.18s
acceleration 3.8m/s2 and the mass of the rocket was .52kg

Homework Equations



I am trying to find the initial velocity of the rocket.
vi=vf-at
only problem with that is that I don't have the final velocity either.
It looks like you are studying motion with constant acceleration. We can do the problem by ignoring air resistance, but I suspect that is not really valid for a 2L plastic bottle going through the air.

If vf is the velocity when the bottle hits the ground, it would equal -vi. Also, where do you get that the acceleration is 3.8 m/s^2?

The Attempt at a Solution


I honostly have no idea where to start. I have no clue. Help please!
Thanks!

p.s. bumping your post hinders getting a response at our forum, since it creates the impression that your post has been replied to already and then people are less likely to bother reading your question.
 

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