Find Shot Velocity Components | Projectile Motion Homework Help

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The discussion revolves around calculating the components of a shot putter's velocity during projectile motion. The initial velocity is given as 12.0 m/s at a 51.0-degree angle, with a flight time of 2.08 seconds. Participants clarify that the x-component of velocity remains constant at 7.55 m/s due to zero horizontal acceleration, while the y-component changes due to gravitational acceleration, resulting in a final y-velocity of -11.064 m/s. The horizontal distance traveled is calculated using the horizontal velocity and time, leading to a final distance of 26.39 meters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying kinematic equations for both horizontal and vertical motion.
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Homework Statement



A shot putter releases the shot some distance above the level ground with a velocity of 12.0 m/s, 51.0 degree above the horizontal. The shot hits the ground 2.08s later. You can ignore air resistance.What is the x-component of the shot's velocity at the end of its trajectory?
What is the y-component of the shot's velocity at the end of its trajectory?

Homework Equations



x = v initial cos theta time

The Attempt at a Solution



I managed to get the x and y component of acceleration.

but for this I would suppose its going to be 12cos51 2.08 = 15.71

I am lost...as this is wrong.
 
Last edited:
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The 2.08 should be s, not m/s right?

What is the initial x and y component?

What is the acceleration of the shot put?
 
x-component of the shot's velocity at the beginning of its trajectory

7.55m/s

y-component of the shot's velocity at the beginning of its trajectory
9.32

y-component of the shot's acceleration while in flight
-9.80
x-component of the shot's acceleration while in flight
0

from what I got thusfar.

now I need to find the x and y component of the shot's velocity at the end of its trajectory
 
Last edited:
Heat said:
x-component of the shot's velocity at the beginning of its trajectory

7.55m/s

y-component of the shot's velocity at the beginning of its trajectory
-9.32

y-component of the shot's acceleration while in flight
-9.80
x-component of the shot's acceleration while in flight
0

from what I got thusfar.

now I need to find the x and y component of the shot's velocity at the end of its trajectory

cool. you have everything you need... you have initial velocity... acceleration... time... you should be able to get final velocity.

EDIT: why do you have -9.32 instead of 9.32?
 
so the equation would be vx = v initial +gt

vx = 11.99 + (9.8)(2.08)

= 32.37

but now how do I get x and y, (I don't have degree for the final velocity)
 
Heat said:
so the equation would be vx = v initial +gt

vx = 11.99 + (9.8)(2.08)

= 32.37

No... vertical acceleration affects vertical velocity... horizontal acceleration affects horizontal velocity...
 
sorry , but i don't see where you are going with this...
 
Heat said:
sorry , but i don't see where you are going with this...

The x-component of acceleration is 0... so does the x-component of velocity change?
 
no...same for y also...
 
  • #10
Heat said:
no...same for y also...

Ah... but there is a y-component to acceleration... calculate the final y-velocity using initial y velocity and the y-acceleration.
 
  • #11
vx = v0x + ax*t

vy = v0y + ay*t
 
  • #12
vx = v0x + ax*t

vy = v0y + ay*t

vx = 7.55 + (0)(2.08)

vy = 9.32 + (-9.8)(2.08)

vx = 7.55

vy = -11.064

Which is correct, thank you learning physics.
 
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  • #13
also,

How far did she throw the shot horizontally?

this is what I did

I decided to use the following equation: x-x initial = t/2 (vinitial + vx)

I know the vf and vi for x and y.

so I decided to do a^2 + b^2 = C^2

so the velocity for initial would be 11.99
for final it would be 13.39

so now its

x-0 = 2.08 /2 (11.99+13.39)

x= 26.39

so that would be distance right? but I am wrong :(
 
  • #14
you're making it too complicated... horizontal displacement, you only need horizontal velocity... you know the horizontal velocity, you have the time... you know acceleration is 0...
 
  • #15
I tend to do that.

x-0 = 7.55(2.08) + .5...

final being 15.70 :)
 
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