Determining angle and ratio in 2d motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving projectile motion, specifically analyzing the trajectory of a baseball thrown by outfielders. The problem requires determining the angle of projection for a throw that bounces and comparing it to a throw that does not bounce, as well as calculating the time ratios for both scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the ranges of the projectile paths and set up equations based on the range formula. There are attempts to solve for the angle of projection and to establish time equations for both the one-bounce and no-bounce scenarios. Some participants express confusion and seek further clarification on the calculations involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants contributing different approaches to the problem. Some have provided calculations and proposed angles, while others are still struggling to understand the concepts or arrive at the correct values. There is no clear consensus yet on the correct angle or time ratio.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted potential inaccuracies in the premise of the problem regarding baseball throwing techniques, which may influence their interpretations and calculations. There are also indications of varying levels of understanding among participants, leading to multiple interpretations of the problem setup.

parwana
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p3-70alt.gif


When baseball outfielders throw the ball, they usually allow it to take one bounce on the theory that the ball arrives sooner this way. Suppose that after the bounce the ball rebounds at the same angle as it had when released (Fig. P3.70) but loses half its speed.


(a) Assuming the ball is always thrown with the same initial speed, at what angle should the ball be thrown in order to go the same distance D with one bounce (blue path) as one thrown upward at = 49.6° with no bounce (green path)?
°

(b) Determine the ratio of the times for the one-bounce and no-bounce throws.
t1b / t0b =
 
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(a) Use the fact that the range of the green projectile is equal to the range of the two blue projectiles. That is

[tex]D_o = D_1 + D_2[/tex]

(b) This one gets messy, but it is doable. I used the x-component of the projectile's (initial) speed [itex]v_o[/itex] to do the calculations. Set up the times equations, [itex]t_o,\ t_1\ ,t_2[/itex], using the ranges of the projectiles. That is in terms of the D's. Then to get rid of the D's in your equations use the range formula again. You need to determine the ratio

[tex]\frac{t_1 + t_2}{t_o}[/tex]
 
I don't understand, please help more
 
[tex]Range = \frac{v_{0}^{2}\sin2\phi}{g}[/tex] for the green path, so solve for [tex]\theta[/tex] You know for the blue path the range is [tex]\frac{v_{0}^{2}\sin 99.2}{g}[/tex] So [tex]\frac{v_{0}^{2}\sin2\theta}{g} + \frac{\frac{v_{0}}{4}^{2}\sin2\theta}{g} = \frac{v_{0}^{2}\sin 99.2}{g}[/tex] I got [tex]\theta \doteq 28.53[/tex]
 
Last edited:
BTW, for extra credit you can point out that the premise of the question is incorrect. The person who wrote the question obviously never played baseball at any coached level. Outfielders throw home plate liners low with one bounce near the pitcher's mound so that infielders can cut it off. They can cut it off if the throw is fading and hit home with their own rope, or they can cut it off to nail other base runners if the play at home looks iffy.
 
courtigrad I am still not getting it right, thanks though
 
what does the answer say?
 
20.4 isn't right
 
what about [tex]28.53[/tex]? it was supposed to be [tex]\frac{v_{0}^{2}}{4}[/tex]
 
  • #10
that was wrong too, I figured it out though, it was 26.5
 
  • #11
Now I need help with part b
 
  • #12
Calculate the times with the x-velocity component for each part of the motion:

[tex]t = \frac{v_x}{D_i}[/tex]
 

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