Do I use a system of equations for this projectile motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves projectile motion, where a basketball is kicked at an angle to reach a hoop located at a specific distance and height. The original poster seeks to determine the time it takes for the ball to reach the hoop and the initial velocity required for this motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss breaking down the motion into horizontal and vertical components, using trigonometric functions to resolve initial velocity, and applying kinematic equations. There are questions about the use of tangent in relation to sine and cosine functions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints about writing separate equations for horizontal and vertical motions, while others have pointed out potential errors in the use of sine and cosine. The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions this is part of a homework assignment where they are required to create a problem for review, indicating a learning context. There is also a reference to previous knowledge that the poster is struggling to recall.

phantomcow2
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1. Chuck Norris kicks a basketball from the ground into a basketball hoop, it makes it in perfectly. THe hoop is 150m away, and 6m above the ground. He kicks the ball at a 39 degree angle. How long does it take for the ball to reach the net? What was the initial velocity?



2. X1=X0+v0t+1/2at^2



3. So breaking it down, I know that Vox = v0cos(39)
And that voy= v0Sin(39

Doesn't that mean I use the tangent function? Can somebody jumpstart my memory? :frown:
 
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A little background:
As a homework assignment, we were told to make up a moderate problem and share with the class as a review for upcoming midterms. I solved one of these a few months ago and cannot remember at all how.
 
Your components of velocity are correct. Try writing your equation out twice; once for vertical and once for horizontal motion.
 
phantomcow2 said:
2. X1=X0+v0t+1/2at^2
That's a good generic equation. Hint: Write separate equations for the horizontal and vertical motions. (How do they differ?)

3. So breaking it down, I know that Vox = v0cos(39)
And that voy= v0Sin(39

This is good. Combine this with the above equations and you'll be able to solve for V0.
 
Once you write the equation for the horizontal motion, try to solve it to get v_0t and substitute it in the equation for verticle motion. This will give you time! Try it!
 
So
150=0+v0Sin(39) + 1/2*0*t^2
6=0+v0Cos(39) + 1/2*-9.81t^2

From here, doesn't tangent end up replacing Sin and Cosine though?
 
phantomcow2 said:
So
150=0+v0Sin(39) + 1/2*0*t^2
6=0+v0Cos(39) + 1/2*-9.81t^2
You've mixed up your sines and cosines.

From here, doesn't tangent end up replacing Sin and Cosine though?
No. You know the sine and cosine, so they are just numbers. Combine the two equations and solve for v0.
 

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