Calculus Project: Position eq with Theta

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on modeling the flight of an arrow using calculus, specifically through the equations of motion. The primary equation discussed is s(t) = -16t² + Vt + S, where V represents the initial velocity, S is the initial height, and t is time. Additionally, the need to incorporate the launch angle, represented by theta, is emphasized. The conversation also highlights the distinction between vertical and horizontal motion, introducing the equations h(t) = -16t² + ut + s and p(t) = wt, where u and w are the vertical and horizontal components of the initial velocity, respectively.

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  • Basic grasp of the effects of gravity on motion
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seansss
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Hey all I am trying to do a calculus project that deals with the flight of an arrow. At first glance I thought I would be using the eq s(t)=-16t^2+VT+S...V being the initial velocity, S initial height, and T for time. I quickly figured out that I needed to have a theta in there some where to account for the launch angle. Any help would be appreciated thanks.


sean
 
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seansss said:
Hey all I am trying to do a calculus project that deals with the flight of an arrow. At first glance I thought I would be using the eq s(t)=-16t^2+VT+S...V being the initial velocity, S initial height, and T for time. I quickly figured out that I needed to have a theta in there some where to account for the launch angle. Any help would be appreciated thanks.


sean
Strictly speaking you have 2 equations, since V is a vector quantity.

h(t)=-16t^2+ut+s and p(t)=wt, where u is the vertical component of the initial velocity and w is the horizontal. s is the initial height, while the starting horizontal is 0. h(t) and p(t) are the height and position in time. In reality you should take into account air resistance, but that is a much harder problem.
 

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