Height and Range of a projectile

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A projectile's angle \(\theta\) above the horizontal can be expressed as \(\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{2H}{R}\right)\), where \(H\) is the maximum height and \(R\) is the range. The initial speed \(v_0\) in terms of \(H\), \(R\), and gravitational acceleration \(g\) requires further manipulation of the equations involving trigonometric identities. The time of flight \(t\) can be derived as \(t = \frac{2\sqrt{2H}}{g}\). The discussion emphasizes the importance of using trigonometric identities to simplify the relationships between these variables. Understanding these equations is crucial for solving projectile motion problems effectively.
clarineterr
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A projectile is fired at a speed v0 from and angle \theta above the horizontal. It has a maximum height H and a range R (on level ground)
Find:
The angle \theta above the horizontal in terms of H and R

The initial speed in terms of H, R and g

and the time of the projectile in terms of H and g.

Relevant Equations:
Hmax= \frac{\left(v0sin\theta\right)^{2}}{2g}
R = \frac{v0^{2}sin2\theta}{g}

Attempt at a solution:

From the maximum height equation: v0sin\theta=\sqrt{2gh}
and from the Range equation: v0cos\theta= \frac{gR}{2v0sin\theta}

then we have v0cos\theta= \frac{gR}{\sqrt{2gH}}

Then tan\theta= \frac{v0sin\theta}{v0cos\theta} = \frac{2H}{R}

so then \theta = tan^{-1}\frac{2H}{R}

Then for the second question, I have v0 = \sqrt{\frac{gR}{sin2\theta}}
Then I don't know how to convert it to just be in terms of g, H and R

For the third question I am getting: t = \frac{2vosin\theta}{g}
 
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Homework Statement



A projectile is fired at a speed v0 from and angle \theta above the horizontal. It has a maximum height H and a range R (on level ground)
Find:
The angle \theta above the horizontal in terms of H and R

The initial speed in terms of H, R and g

and the time of the projectile in terms of H and g.

Homework Equations



Hmax= \frac{\left(v0sin\theta\right)^{2}}{2g}
R = \frac{v0^{2}sin2\theta}{g}

The Attempt at a Solution



From the maximum height equation: v0sin\theta=\sqrt{2gh}
and from the Range equation: v0cos\theta= \frac{gR}{2v0sin\theta}

then we have v0cos\theta= \frac{gR}{\sqrt{2gH}}

Then tan\theta= \frac{v0sin\theta}{v0cos\theta} = \frac{2H}{R}

so then \theta = tan^{-1}\frac{2H}{R}

Then for the second question, I have v0 = \sqrt{\frac{gR}{sin2\theta}}
Then I don't know how to convert it to just be in terms of g, H and R

For the third question I am getting: t = \frac{2vosin\theta}{g}
 
You know from this equation, Hmax= \frac{\left(v0sin\theta\right)^{2}}{2g}, that

v0sin(theta) = sqrt(2Hg)

So plug sqrt(2Hg) into:

t = \frac{2vosin\theta}{g}

to get:

t = 2sqrt(2Hg)/g = 2sqrt(2H/g)
 
Welcome to PF!

Hi clarineterr! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have a theta: θ :wink:)
clarineterr said:
Find:

The initial speed in terms of H, R and g

and the time of the projectile in terms of H and g.

Then tan\theta= \frac{v0sin\theta}{v0cos\theta} = \frac{2H}{R}

so then \theta = tan^{-1}\frac{2H}{R}

For the third question I am getting: t = \frac{2vosin\theta}{g}

Learn your trigonometric identities …

you know tanθ in terms of H R and g, so you simply need to express sin2θ and sinθ in terms of tanθ.

Hint: use sin = cos tan, and cos = 1/sec, and sec2 = tan2 + 1 :wink:
 
I got

\sqrt{\frac{gR^{2}}{4H}\left(\frac{4H^{2}}{R^{2}}+1\right)}

? I don't know if I simplified this right
 
For √(gR/sin2θ) ?

Yup, that looks good! :biggrin:

(and now how about your t = 2v0sinθ/g ? :smile:)
 
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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