Finding the angle of the velocity vector of a projectile at moment of impact

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the angle of the velocity vector of a projectile at the moment of impact. A stone is thrown horizontally from a height of 41.0 meters with an initial speed of 16.0 m/s, resulting in a final speed of 32.806 m/s upon impact. The time taken for the stone to reach the ground is 2.86 seconds. To find the angle below the horizontal, one must determine the horizontal and vertical components of the velocity and apply trigonometric principles to relate them.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Knowledge of basic trigonometry, specifically sine and cosine functions
  • Familiarity with vector components in physics
  • Ability to apply kinematic equations for vertical motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of projectile motion equations
  • Learn how to calculate vector components from magnitude and angle
  • Explore the use of trigonometric functions to find angles in right triangles
  • Practice problems involving horizontal projectile motion and impact angles
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering projectile motion and vector analysis in kinematics.

Corey333
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A student stands at the edge of a cliff and throws a stone horizontally over the edge with a speed of 16.0 m/s. The cliff is h= 41.0 m above a flat horizontal beach
h=41
g=10m/s
vi=0m/s
vf2=vi2+2gh
vi=28.64
h=vi+vf/2xt
41=28.64/2xt
14.32
t=2.86
28.64x28.64, 16x16
Square root of 1076.24=32.806

I don't know how to find the angle, On my homework it requires the speed of which the impact lands which is 32.806, and the time it takes to strike the cliff after the stone is thrown which is 2.86, but it is asking for the angle below the horizontal but I don't know how to get it PLEASE HELP A.S.A.P.
I have a 90% on my homework right now but I need to find the angle to get a 100%, I'm a gpa freak I really need this help thank-you in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I assume you mean the angle the velocity vector makes with the horizontal. Find the horizontal and vertical components of velocity, and, given that, find the angle.
 
I have that, 28.64 and 16, I just don't know what to do with that.
 
Draw a triangle, two sides of which are the components of the velocity vector. The hypotenuse in the triangle is the velocity. How are the angles and the sides in the triangle related?
 

Similar threads

Replies
40
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K