Deriving Projectile Motion Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving equations related to projectile motion. The original poster presents a series of parts involving calculations for time to maximum height, time to hit the ground, maximum height, and horizontal distance traveled, all expressed in terms of initial speed, launch angle, and gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive equations for various aspects of projectile motion using kinematic equations. They express uncertainty about the correctness of their approach, particularly regarding the maximum height calculation in Part C.

Discussion Status

Some participants affirm the original poster's calculations, indicating that they appear to be correct. However, there is a lingering question about the validity of the method used for Part C, as the original poster expresses confusion based on feedback received.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific requirements for the expressions derived. There is an indication of differing opinions on the correctness of the approach taken in Part C.

rakeru
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Homework Statement



A projectile is fired from ground level at time t=0, at an angle of θ with respect to the horizontal. It has initial speed V0.

Part A

Find the time it takes the projectile to reach its maximum height. Express in terms of V0, θ, and g.

Part B

Find the time at which the projectile hits the ground after having traveled through a horizontal distance, R. Express in terms of V0, θ, and g.

Part C

Find the maximum height attained by the projectile. Express in terms of V0, θ, and g.

Part D

Find the total distance R traveled in the x direction. Express in terms of V0, θ, and g.


Homework Equations



V=V0+at

y=y0+Vy0t+0.5ayt2

x=Vx0t

The Attempt at a Solution



For Part A, I did:

Vy=Vy0 + ayt

0=V0sinθ-gt

gt=V0sinθ

t=(V0sinθ)/g

For Part B I did:

y=y0+Vy0+0.5ayt2

0=0 + (V0sinθ)t- 0.5gt2

0.5gt2=(V0sinθ)t

gt2= (2V0sinθ)t

t= (2V0sinθ)/g

For Part C I did:

Vy2=Vy02+2ay

0=(V0sinθ)2-2gy

y= (V0sinθ)2/2g

For Part D:

x = x0 + Vx0t

x= V0cosθ × (2V0sinθ)/g

x= (V02sin2θ)/g

Did I do this correctly?? Or did I just mess up everything.. The one I'm really confused about is Part C.. I don't know if I could use the equation that I used..
 
Physics news on Phys.org
All good.
 
Really!? So I am right.. I was told by someone that part C was wrong.. o_o
 
Checked it again... part C still looks right to me.
 

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