Finding Acceleration without Time: Help Clarified

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem concerning the calculation of acceleration without a given time, particularly in the context of projectile motion. The original poster expresses frustration in finding a solution, especially since the object is not moving vertically, complicating the use of standard gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for different equations for vertical and horizontal components of motion. The original poster attempts to apply the equation for acceleration but encounters issues when assuming zero acceleration in the horizontal direction, leading to undefined results.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the nature of projectile motion and the implications of assuming zero acceleration. There is recognition of the need for multiple equations to address the problem, but no consensus has been reached on a specific approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that time is often derived from vertical motion information, which is not applicable in this case due to the horizontal focus. The original poster's constraints and assumptions are central to the discussion.

majormuss
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Homework Statement



Guys, this question is really frustrating me. Ho can I can I Find time when magnitude of acceleration when time is not giving, and also the object is not moving vertically(so I can't use a=9.81m/s?... I tried using (Change in velocity)V= Acceleration* Time,but I eventually get stuck!
Can anyone help Clarify things to me.

Homework Equations


(Change in velocity)V= Acceleration* Time


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi majormuss! Welcome to PF! :wink:

(what exactly is the question? :confused:)

If the projectile starts at an angle to the vertical, then you need two equations, one for the vertical component of motion with a = -9.81 m/s2, and one for the horizontal component with a = 0. :smile:
 


tiny-tim said:
Hi majormuss! Welcome to PF! :wink:

(what exactly is the question? :confused:)

If the projectile starts at an angle to the vertical, then you need two equations, one for the vertical component of motion with a = -9.81 m/s2, and one for the horizontal component with a = 0. :smile:


thnx for the response, but when I assume Acceleration is 0 for horizontal motion my equation ends up... V(f)-V(i)/a... then i get a denominator of 0, which makes it undefined. I can't find time
 


majormuss said:
thnx for the response, but when I assume Acceleration is 0 for horizontal motion my equation ends up... V(f)-V(i)/a... then i get a denominator of 0, which makes it undefined. I can't find time

Well Vf and Vo should be the same for the horizontal because it does not change while in the air (assume no air friction). The previous poster stated there is no acceleration in the horizontal.

In many of these projectile problems, time is usually determined by info. given about motion in the vertical in which case you use your -9.81 m/s/s as your acceleration.
 
majormuss said:
thnx for the response, but when I assume Acceleration is 0 for horizontal motion my equation ends up... V(f)-V(i)/a... then i get a denominator of 0, which makes it undefined. I can't find time

As pgardn :smile: says, Vix and Vfx are the same.

I see now that the problem is that you're only using one of the constant acceleration equations …
majormuss said:
(Change in velocity)V= Acceleration* Time

There are two others! :wink:
 

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