Find the horizontal distance a ball will travel

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the horizontal distance a ball travels after rolling down a ramp and off a table. The problem involves understanding the physics of projectile motion and the effects of gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between horizontal motion and time in the air, with some suggesting the use of basic physics equations. Others introduce concepts such as the angle of launch and the need for rotational motion considerations.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various approaches being explored, including the use of conservation of energy and the need for specific measurements like the ramp height and angle. No consensus has been reached yet, but participants are providing helpful insights and guidance.

Contextual Notes

There are questions regarding the ramp's height and angle, which are critical for accurately solving the problem. The original poster has mentioned a specific time of flight and a measured distance, but further clarification on these parameters is needed.

puddinandpie
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Hi,
I have a physics question I'm not sure how to answer.
I need to find the horizontal distance a ball will travel when rolled down a ramp off a table.
The height of the table is 70.5cm
The time it took to leave the table and hit the ground is 0.335s
Using trial and error we found that the distance is around 69cm, but i need to prove this using a physics equation.
Anyone know how to do this?
 
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really you should recall that the ball will move horizontally at a constant speed for the amount of time it is in the air. From basic physics you should know how to calculate the time it takes for a ball to drop from a height d given its acceleration due to gravity.
 
I assume that the end of the ramp was at the edge of the table launching the ball at an angle \theta below the horizon (oops, you had to measure it!). This means that the x velocity will be
x=v_ot\cos(\theta)
and the y displacement (taken positive downwards)
y=v_ot\sin(\theta)+\frac{gt^2}{2}
Eliminate v_o in the second equation using the first one.
 
How high is your ramp?
What is its angle of inclination ?
Conservation of energy is the best approach in this case.
You also need to take rotational motion into account.
 

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