Calculating Initial Velocity for Accurate Basketball Shot

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the initial velocity required for a basketball shot to reach a hoop at a specific height and distance, given the angle of the shot and constraints on accuracy. The subject area pertains to projectile motion in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of right-angled triangles to analyze the shot's trajectory and question the application of projectile motion equations. There is an attempt to identify relevant equations and clarify the relationship between variables involved in the motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different equations related to projectile motion and attempting to derive the initial velocity. Some guidance has been offered regarding the equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem, including the specific heights, angles, and horizontal distance, while also considering the accuracy requirement for the shot.

Alserina
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Homework Statement


A basketball leaves a player's hands at a height of 2.15m above the floor. The basket is 3.05m above the floor. The player likes to shoot the ball at a 40-degree angle.

If the shot is made from a horizontal distance of 10.00m and must be accurate to +0.32m (horizontally), what is the range of initial speeds allowed to make the basket?


Homework Equations


sinx = opposite side/hypotenuse


The Attempt at a Solution


What I attempted to do was draw two right-angled triangles /| with a 40-degree angle, a 0.9m vertical side and a variable horizontal side (9.68m/10.32m) and tried to figure out the hypotenuse, but it doesn't seem right...
 
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What is the relevant equation of the projectile motion?
 
final velocity = initial velocity + (9.80)(time)? I don't really get which p.m. equation would apply...
 
Alserina said:
final velocity = initial velocity + (9.80)(time)? I don't really get which p.m. equation would apply...
The equation can be written as
y = yo + x*tanθ - 1/2*g*x2/(v*cosθ)^2
Solve for v.
 

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