Finding the y-component of a velocity vector

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To find the y-component of the velocity vector, the equations for player A and the ball's path were derived, leading to their respective velocity vectors. The time when both paths intersect was calculated, resulting in a time of 4 seconds and a horizontal velocity of 27 m/s. However, a mistake was identified regarding the distance D, which was incorrectly assumed to be 20 m instead of the given 2 m. This realization prompted a correction in the calculations. The discussion highlights the importance of accurately interpreting given values in physics problems.
valentina
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Homework Statement
Two players are playing football.
Player A is running in a straight line. Player B is going to pass the ball to player A with v_b constant when they're at a distance D=2m.
At that instant, player A has a velocity v_a=3m/s and he's accelerating at 12 m/s^2.
We know that the y-component of the velocity of the ball is 5 m/s.
Find the x-component of the velocity such that player A catches the ball.
Relevant Equations
$$x(t)=x_0+v_{x_{0}}t+\frac{1}{2}at^2$$
The first thing I did, was to find the equations for player A (p) and ball's (b) path (for each i and j component I used the equation I wrote in the relevant equations) and then I found the derivative of both equations so I could have the velocity:

$$\vec{r}_p(t)=(6t^2+3t)\hat{i}+20\hat{j} \Rightarrow \vec{v}_p(t)=(12t+3)\hat{i}$$
$$\vec{r}_b(t)=(v_{0_{x}}t)\hat{i}+5t\hat{j} \Rightarrow \vec{v}_b(t)=(v_{0_{x}})\hat{i} + 5 \hat{j}$$

Now, I tried to find the time when both paths cross:

$$(6t^2+3t)\hat{i}+20\hat{j} = (v_{0_{x}}t)\hat{i}+5t\hat{j} \iff 6t^2+3t=v_{0_x}t \land 20=5t \iff t=4s \Rightarrow v_{0_x}=27 \frac{m}{s}$$

Looking at the solution, what I did is wrong. Can someone guide me please ?
 

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D is given as 2 m. But it looks like you took D to be 20 m.
 
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TSny said:
D is given as 2 m. But it looks like you took

Oh! I can't believe this lol. Thank you so much!
 
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The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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