How Do You Calculate the Correct Launch Angle for a Projectile?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the correct launch angle for a projectile, with initial parameters including vertical and horizontal components labeled as Vy and Vx. The user initially calculated an angle of 72 degrees but expressed confusion regarding the variables used in the problem, particularly the meanings of U (initial velocity) and V (final velocity at maximum height). Clarification was provided that Vy and Vx should be interpreted as ranges rather than velocities. The user acknowledged a mistake in labeling the variables, leading to a misunderstanding of the problem. The thread was ultimately closed for moderation.
MrRandom66
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Homework Statement


Vy - 15m
Vx - 40m
U - 17m/s
V - 0
Time to reach highest point (t) 1.7s

Homework Equations


cos 0 = a/c



The Attempt at a Solution


72 degrees.

Not sure if this is the correct method of calculating the angle, especially since a projectile's trajectory is a parabola.
 
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I am not following the problem's variables.

Vy is usually velocity in the "y" direction in m/s

Vx is usually velocity in the "x" direction in m/s

What is U? It looks like some kind of velocity

What is V? V usually designates some kind of velocity
 
RTW69 said:
I am not following the problem's variables.

Vy is usually velocity in the "y" direction in m/s

Vx is usually velocity in the "x" direction in m/s

What is U? It looks like some kind of velocity

What is V? V usually designates some kind of velocity

U = Initial Velocity
V = Final Velocity, or Velocity at maximum height, hence 0

I actually put the variables wrong, ignore the Vy should be Y and Vx should be X, hence, these aren't velocities, but instead ranges in the X and Y directions.
 
Thread closed for Moderation...
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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