Discern initial V w/o components?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the initial velocity (Vi) of a ball that traveled a horizontal distance of 188 meters before landing, launched at a 45-degree angle from a height of 0.9 meters. Participants are considering the effects of gravity and the absence of air resistance in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to break down the initial velocity into its x and y components and explore the relationship between horizontal distance, time, and velocity. There are attempts to manipulate equations to express time in terms of initial velocity.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing guidance on how to approach the problem by suggesting to focus on horizontal motion first and then consider vertical motion. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the equations and variables involved, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem involves multiple variables and equations, leading to some frustration in isolating the initial velocity. There is mention of a numerical value expected as a solution, which has been referenced from an external source.

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Discern initial V w/o components!?

Homework Statement



Ok, ball traveled 188m (618 ft) before landing on the ground. Assume ground is flat, and ball Vi is from 45o, disregard air resistance, and Starting position is .9m above ground.
Find Vi

I KNOW )))) a= 9.8 m/s2
Xi= 0
Xf=183
Yi= 0.9m
ANGLE= 450
Vy (@ highest point) = 0



Homework Equations


Ok so the equations I'm using are:
A---Vf= Vi + (a)(t)

B---Xf= Xi+ Vi+ (1/2)(a)(t)2

C---(Vf)2=(Vi)2+2a(Xf-Xi)

D---Xf-Xi=((Vi+Vf)/2)(t)

The Attempt at a Solution



So I've been racking my brain over this for the past hour, and I keep failing to discover the answer. My equations are left with 2 variables. What am I missing?? :/
 
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afronicus said:

Homework Statement



Ok, ball traveled 188m (618 ft) before landing on the ground. Assume ground is flat, and ball Vi is from 45o, disregard air resistance, and Starting position is .9m above ground.
Find Vi

I think you've overloaded your brain with information and equations, so let's take it slowly.

Split the initial velocity Vi acting at 45°, into x and y components.

The first line says
afronicus said:
ball traveled 188m (618 ft) before landing on the ground.

So this means it traveled horizontally 188 m. So what does this tell you about the time taken for the motion? (Hint: horizontal velocity remains constant throughout, so distance = speed*time)

Write the time,t, in terms of Vi.

When you get this, then we will consider vertical motion.
 


Vx=x/t so that will help you.
 


hi, thanks a bunch for your reply. Ok, so my Vi in components is Vix=Vi cos(45)
&
Viy=Visin(45)
...
Ok, and time can be written as:

t =( Vfx/y / a) + Vix/y.

(Vx)(t)=188 m

apparently there is numerical value you're supposed to get...I opted to have Mastering Physics show me the answer, said it was 41.3. I just can't figure out how.
...
 


A man, my formula B is off, initial veloss should be multiplied by time. Thought I had figured out out... Not so much.
 


afronicus said:
(Vx)(t)=188 m

apparently there is numerical value you're supposed to get...I opted to have Mastering Physics show me the answer, said it was 41.3. I just can't figure out how.
...


afronicus said:
A man, my formula B is off, initial veloss should be multiplied by time. Thought I had figured out out... Not so much.

So your time would be

t = \frac{188}{V_i cos 45}

I can't really read how you manipulated formula B, but considering y-direction, the initial displacement y0 you were given. And you know that y = 0 when t = 188/(Vicos45°).

Just plug it in and solve for Vi.
 

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