Calculating parabolic equations for a trajectory project.

[Andrew Neal]

Homework Statement

I'm a homeschool senior and I'm not starting physics until the second half of the year, so I haven't learned how to do this yet. I'm part of the local Science Olympiad team and I'm heading up the Trajectory project. We have to land the projectile in a certain spot, at a certain distance. The variables will be unknown and will not be given to us until we arrive at the event. Then we have to calculate and calibrate our device ON SITE to launch it at that target.

So this obviously involves parabolic equations, which I'm completely new to. So I'm going to need all the help I can get. I just want to know what EXACTLY to study and wrap my head around. I've been surfing around on Google for about an hour or so but haven't really made much progress due to there being so many different approaches to it.

So what do I need? Well I think I just need a formula where I can plug in all the variables @ the event when I get there. Although I'm not exactly sure that's what I need. So I'm posting here to get a good virtual "slap in the face" and to be pointed in the right direction.

Homework Equations

How to calculate trajectory.

The Attempt at a Solution

Google was my first attempt. Just didn't get very far due to there not being any definitive approach at calculating trajectory.

 

[LowlyPion]

Homework Statement

I'm a homeschool senior and I'm not starting physics until the second half of the year, so I haven't learned how to do this yet. I'm part of the local Science Olympiad team and I'm heading up the Trajectory project. We have to land the projectile in a certain spot, at a certain distance. The variables will be unknown and will not be given to us until we arrive at the event. Then we have to calculate and calibrate our device ON SITE to launch it at that target.

So this obviously involves parabolic equations, which I'm completely new to. So I'm going to need all the help I can get. I just want to know what EXACTLY to study and wrap my head around. I've been surfing around on Google for about an hour or so but haven't really made much progress due to there being so many different approaches to it.

So what do I need? Well I think I just need a formula where I can plug in all the variables @ the event when I get there. Although I'm not exactly sure that's what I need. So I'm posting here to get a good virtual "slap in the face" and to be pointed in the right direction.

Homework Equations

How to calculate trajectory.

The Attempt at a Solution

Google was my first attempt. Just didn't get very far due to there not being any definitive approach at calculating trajectory.

Welcome to PF.

These links might be useful to you
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/traj.html
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/trajs.html#tra15

Nothing will be as good however as understanding basic kinematics and vectors first. But if the material there is not too confusing for you, you may be able to dig out what you need.

Good luck.