Flight time of Projectile motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem involving a ball thrown at an angle from a height, with the goal of determining the time of flight. The original poster presents their calculations and expresses confusion over the correctness of their answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve for time of flight using kinematic equations, while some participants question the accuracy of the vertical velocity component calculation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's calculations. One participant has pointed out a potential error related to the calculator's mode, which may have contributed to the original poster's confusion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions using a calculator in radian mode, which may have affected their calculations. There is also a reference to a quadratic formula resource provided by another participant.

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Ok, I thought I knew how to do this, but for some reason, according to my homework website, my answer is wrong. So I'm turning to this board before I beat my head against the wall. Please help me.

Homework Statement


A ball is thrown with an initial speed of 31 m/s at an angle of 45�. The ball is thrown from a height of 12 m and lands on the ground.
Find the time of flight.

The Attempt at a Solution


Initial vertical upward velocity = 31 sin 45 = 26.378m/s.
The displacement [Yf – Yo] = –12 m
Yf -Yo = volt - 0.5*g*t^2
–12 = 26.378 t – 4.905 *t^2
4.905 *t^2 – 26.378 t – 12 = 0
--------------------------------------...
Using b^2 – 4ac = 26.378 ^2– 4*4.905*(– 12)
√ (b^2 – 4ac) = 30.516
– b ±√ (b^2 – 4ac) = 26.378 ± 30.516
= 56.894 leaving the negative time value
Dividing by 2a = 9.81
t = 5.7996 s

Is my work right?
 
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Welcome to PF.

I'd check the vertical velocity component again.

31 * sin45° = ... ?
 
Ugh, no wonder none of my answers have been right, I've been in radian mode on my calculator. I feel like an idiot. Thank you for pointing out the obvious to me.
 

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