Find where and when the trajectory angle is 10 degrees?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a projectile motion problem where a rock is thrown at 35 m/s and the goal is to find when the trajectory angle is 10 degrees. The original approach involved using a path equation derived by the teacher, which the student found confusing. Clarification was provided that the derivative of the path equation relates the angle to the velocities in the horizontal and vertical directions. An alternative, simpler method was presented, calculating the vertical velocity at 10 degrees and using it to find the time and horizontal distance, resulting in approximately 52.22 meters. This approach was appreciated for its simplicity compared to the initial method.
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Homework Statement


Okay, this is a projectile motion problem(No Drag) where a rock is thrown as 35m/s at an angle of 48 degrees. The question that I am struggling with is: "Find where and when the trajectory angle is 10 degrees?"


Homework Equations



The Equation that my teacher was used was that he used the path equation: y = xtan(∅) - gx2/2u2 (tan2(∅)+1)
He then derived it and let it equal tan 10.

However my main problem is that i don't understand why he derived it and then let it equal tan 10. Because the path equation depicts motion of projectile in relation to it y and x motion, thus if you derive it you would get the velocity motion which would not be useful for this application right?

The Attempt at a Solution



This is my teacher's solution:
y = xtan(∅) - gx2/2u2 (tan2(∅)+1)
tan 48 = 1.11 u = 35 g = 9.8

y = 1.11x - 9.8x2/2450(2.2334)
= 1.11x -0.004x2*2.2334
= 1.11x - 0.00893x2
dy/dx = 1.11 - 0.01763x
tan 10 = 0.1763 = 1.11 - 0.01787x
0.01787x = 1.11-0.1763
x = 52.248m
Ive tried using a range of equation, but they all rely on the initial angle, thus any attempt to sub 11° kinda wrecked the whole equation.

Anyways if anyone could help me understand why the derivative of the path equation can work out when and where the trajectory angle is 11° it would be much appreciated,
Cheers :)
 
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In the projectile motion, at any instant, dx/dt is the velocity in the horizontal direction and dy/dt is the velocity in the vertical direction. The direction of the velocity at that instant is given by tanθ = vy/ vx = dy/dx. That is what your teacher did.
 
rl.bhat said:
In the projectile motion, at any instant, dx/dt is the velocity in the horizontal direction and dy/dt is the velocity in the vertical direction. The direction of the velocity at that instant is given by tanθ = vy/ vx = dy/dx. That is what your teacher did.

Okay thanks, that makes a lot of sense actually. Haha thanks for your help :)
 
I do it this way, with simple equation applied.

At 10° trajectory angle,
Tan(10°)=vy/vx

vy=35.Cos48°.Tan10°=4.13m/s

t=(35.Sin48°-4.13)/9.8=2.23s
x=2.23 x 35.Cos48°=52.22m
 
Last edited:
azizlwl said:
I do it this way, with simple equation applied.

At 10° trajectory angle,
Tan(10°)=vy/vx

vy=35.Cos48°.Tan10°=4.13m/s

t=(35.Sin48°-4.13)/9.8=2.23s
x=2.23 x 35.Cos48°=52.22m

Hahaha wow that's even simpler, haha i guess it saves messing around with the path equation then, thanks heaps :)
 
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