Finding the Velocity of a Projectile knowing only Launch Angle and Flight Time

[flyparnape]

Homework Statement

Quick question, how would I find the velocity of Projectile Motion without knowing the total distance

Relevant Equations

I'm given the object mass: 13.874g, Angle of Launch: 40˚, the horizontal length of 60cm and the time it lands on the ground: 4s. Also, gravity is obviously 9.8m/s

I don't know the distance or the horizontal velocity so I can't find any logical solution

 

[PeroK]

The fact that the projectile was in the air for $4s$ must tell you something.

 

[Doc Al]

I don't know the distance

What does "horizontal length" mean?

Hint: Consider the vertical component of motion.

 

[flyparnape]

So horizontal length is the length of the object when placed at the angle of launch. Am I supposed to find the distance from the ground

 

[PeroK]

So horizontal length is the length of the object when placed at the angle of launch. Am I supposed to find the distance from the ground

Where did the horizontal length come from? Is that mentioned in the problem statement?

 

[flyparnape]

Where did the horizontal length come from? Is that mentioned in the problem statement?

The horizontal length comes from the position of the rocket before launch

 

[Doc Al]

The horizontal length comes from the position of the rocket before launch

Not sure how that is relevant. Could you please post the full problem statement so we can see what's being asked for in context?

 

[phinds]

The horizontal length comes from the position of the rocket before launch

Yes, the POSITION of the rocket, not the length of the rocket.

 

[berkeman]

Also, gravity is obviously 9.8m/s^2

(fixed your units for you)

 

[haruspex]

Homework Statement:: Quick question, how would I find the velocity of Projectile Motion without knowing the total distance
Relevant Equations:: I'm given the object mass: 13.874g, Angle of Launch: 40˚, the horizontal length of 60cm and the time it lands on the ground: 4s. Also, gravity is obviously 9.8m/s

I don't know the distance or the horizontal velocity so I can't find any logical solution

What aspect of the launch parameters determines the time in the air (for a flight that starts and finishes at the same height)?

 

[flyparnape]

horizontal length, and gravity

 

[PeroK]

horizontal length, and gravity

I don't think that's the answer we were expecting. Normally, in projectile motion problems the horizontal length of an object is not relevant. In any case, the length of an object tells you nothing about launch speed and angle.

There a hint there about the correct answer.

 

[Doc Al]

Please post the full problem statement. That way we'll know exactly what you're given and what you're asked to find.

 

[vela]

So horizontal length is the length of the object when placed at the angle of launch.

I sense a language issue. By "horizontal length", do you mean how far the projectile moves horizontally between its launch and when it lands?

 

[flyparnape]

Here's is a picture of the object

 

[Doc Al]

Interesting. Now (as previously advised) see if you can use the given information (that 4s, for instance) to figure out the vertical component of the initial velocity.

 

[hmmm27]

So, not actually a rocket. That takes care of one pointless mystery. Another two or three pages and we might actually figure out what the homework problem is.

 

[kuruman]

If you are trying to determine the initial velocity of the projectile from the time of flight, then you should shoot it straight up in the air, i.e. make the "known angle" 90^o.

 

[haruspex]

horizontal length, and gravity

Neither of those are "launch parameters".
When you set up to launch an object on some trajectory, what aspects do you control?

 

[Doc Al]

If your objective is just to calculate the initial velocity, you have all the information you need. (And some that you don't!)

 

[flyparnape]

Neither of those are "launch parameters".
When you set up to launch an object on some trajectory, what aspects do you control?

You control the angle of launch

 

[haruspex]

You control the angle of launch

And the speed.
Or to look at it another way, the parameters are the horizontal speed and the vertical speed.
Of those four, is there just one that determines the time in the air, assuming the landing height is the same as the launch height?