Displacement from angle and initial velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time it takes for a ball thrown horizontally at 45.6 m/s from a building to drop below an angle of 13 degrees. The projectile motion equation, specifically delta y = Vyi*t + 0.5*a*t², is essential for solving this problem. Participants emphasized the importance of visualizing the projectile's trajectory as a right triangle to identify horizontal and vertical displacement components. The initial attempts to solve the problem using intersecting lines were incorrect, highlighting the need for a systematic approach to break down the components of motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion equations
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically tangent
  • Ability to visualize and sketch right-angled triangles
  • Familiarity with basic kinematics concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the projectile motion equations
  • Learn how to calculate horizontal and vertical displacements in projectile motion
  • Explore the use of trigonometric functions in solving physics problems
  • Practice sketching projectile trajectories and identifying key components
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and projectile motion, as well as educators looking for effective teaching strategies in these topics.

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Homework Statement



A ball is thrown horizontally from the top of a building at 45.6 m/s. We want to know how long it takes for the ball to drop below an angle of 13 degrees. Ignore air resistance.

Homework Equations



I'm assuming the projectile equation is necessary (delta)y = Vyit + .5(a)t2 other than that I'm lost

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried it a few different ways. First thought was to use the information given to write two equations. One being the flight path of the ball and the other of a line at 13 degrees. This gave me an incredibly small amount of time and was incorrect.
The two lines would be -4.9t2 and -tan(13)x They both should intersect twice. Once being at zero the other the point we are interested in. This didn't work out.

I tried rewriting equations to setup a different system of equations but ultimately couldn't get anything out of it.

Somehow I got .55 and thought that was right but according to the teacher it is not. So what do I need to do to solve the problem?
 
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Any time an angle is mentioned, look for a right-angled triangle and components.

Try drawing a sketch of what the projectile will look like at the exact moment in time you're after, spot a triangle, and label it with horizontal and vertical displacement components, plus any other information you know.

It doesn't matter if you don't know values for the displacements yet - just use letters to represent the triangle's sides.

Once you've done that, try to write down some equations for the horizontal and vertical displacements involved and see how that works out.
 

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