Find Altitude & Angles for Physics Rocket Lab HW

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the altitude and angles of a rocket launched straight up, using time and distance measurements. The participant attempted to use the equation for altitude, 1/2gt², but received feedback indicating the calculation was incorrect. The conversation highlights the complexity of isolating variables such as wind and launch angle, suggesting two approaches: assuming vertical launch with wind effects or no wind with varying launch angles. Both methods aim to determine the height reached and estimate wind speed or launch angle for each test.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically 1/2gt² for altitude calculation.
  • Familiarity with concepts of vertical motion and projectile dynamics.
  • Knowledge of wind effects on projectile motion.
  • Basic grasp of drag coefficients and their impact on flight paths.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of kinematic equations in vertical motion scenarios.
  • Learn about estimating wind speed using horizontal displacement in projectile motion.
  • Study the effects of drag coefficients on rocket flight and how to calculate them.
  • Explore methods for determining launch angles from distance and time data.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching projectile motion, and hobbyists involved in rocketry who seek to understand the dynamics of vertical launches and the influence of external factors like wind.

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Homework Statement


I have the time and distance measurements. We shot it straight up, how can I find the altitude and angles? Times: (6.58 sec, 23 m), (6.90 sec, .6 m) (6.20 sec, 10 m). The time represents how long it takes for the rocket to shoot up and fall, the distance is the measurement from where it shot up to where it landed. We also had to determine the velocity and the wind velocity so I already have that. (v=v0+at; v=vi+2at) Idk the exact equation for the altitude and angles?

Homework Equations


Altitude? Angles?

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to get the altitude to be about 53 I used the equation 1/2g(time/2)^2 so for example 1/2*(9.8)*(6.58/2)^2 or 1/2*(9.8)*(3.29^2)=53.03809, but the teacher said it was wrong... :( The angles I have no clue.
 
Last edited:
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You list several times and distances but don't say what they represent.
 
haruspex said:
You list several times and distances but don't say what they represent.
Sorry. I edited it some.
 
You said you shot the rockets straight up. If so, the horizontal displacement should be only due to wind (and the launch angle to the vertical is always zero), but I would have thought it was rather tricky to be sure you were launching straight up.
Since the launch angle will surely vary some, and the wind will vary, and the fuel content etc. of the rockets will vary, it is not going to be possible to combine the results to come up with one set of answers. Moreover, you cannot separate launch angle from wind on anyone test, so I would say you have been given an unreasonable task.

One option is to assume the rockets were launched vertically, and that the variation in horizontal displacement and time aloft are due to wind and rocket fuelling. That will allow you to find the height reached, separately for each test. Since the horizontal displacement is assumed to be entirely due to wind, you may be able to estimate the wind speed too, but you to do that you might have to make some assumption about the drag coefficient ( it won't instantly start moving sideways at the wind speed).

Another option is the other extreme - assume there is no wind and that the variation in horizontal displacement is entirely due to launch angle. That should allow you to determine (separately for each test) the height reached and launch angle.
 

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