Finding initial velocity given angle and horizontal displacement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the initial velocity of a projectile given its horizontal displacement, launch angle, and gravitational acceleration. The original poster presents a specific scenario with numerical values and expresses frustration over discrepancies between their calculations and a reference answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply a formula for projectile range but questions its validity due to unit inconsistencies. They express uncertainty about the relationship between initial velocities in the x and y directions given the angle is not 45°.

Discussion Status

Participants have offered guidance on using the correct equations for projectile motion, and there is acknowledgment of a typo in the formula used by the original poster. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to clarify the problem and explore different approaches, with some participants noting the importance of careful calculation.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a specific expected answer from a textbook, which adds a layer of complexity to their understanding of the problem. There is also a reference to the use of LaTeX, indicating a learning curve in formatting mathematical expressions.

Suprin
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Homework Statement


distance = 0.8meters
angle = 55°
gravity = [itex]9.81m/s^2[/itex]
[itex]\V_0[/itex] = ?, assuming that it leaves and falls back on the same horizontal plane.
The attempt at a solution

So we know for a fact that the initial velocity is supposed to be [itex]2 m/s[/itex], according to the book at least.

I tried using the formula [itex]R = \frac{V_0^2 sin2\theta}{g}[/itex] but that gives me a completely different number.

I've discarded the use of component formulas since I'd require initial velocity for those. I'd like to say that I believe that the initial velocity on X is different to the initial velocity on Y since it's not 45°, but I get the feeling that doesn't matter. I'm stuck and frustrated on this relatively simple problem and can't figure it out for the life of me.

I'm also trying to get the hang of this Latex thing :p
 
Last edited:
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The formula you have for range is wrong, which is obvious if you check the units. Use the correct formula and you should be fine.
 
If you meant the [itex]V_0^2[/itex], I fixed it. That was a typo. Still not getting the right answer.
 
Use the equations for the x and y positions for projectile motion and use the final positions for x and y.
 
Suprin said:
If you meant the [itex]V_0^2[/itex], I fixed it. That was a typo. Still not getting the right answer.

Show exactly what you do.
 
voko said:
Show exactly what you do.

I have no idea what I did wrong before, but as soon as I was about to finish copying the last step to reply to you, I got the answer.

It was one of those "watch which buttons you press on the calculator" things. Sorry :/

Rounding at the very end, I do get 2.9m/s.
 
No need to be sorry, you solved the problem, and I am glad I was able to help, even if only by having you do that again :)
 

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