Height and Range of a projectile

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the kinematics of projectile motion, specifically focusing on determining the angle of projection, initial speed, and time of flight in terms of maximum height and range. Participants are exploring the relationships defined by the equations for maximum height and range of a projectile launched from level ground.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to derive the angle of projection θ in terms of maximum height H and range R using trigonometric identities and relationships from the equations of motion. There are discussions about expressing initial speed v0 and time of flight t in terms of H, R, and gravitational acceleration g. Some participants question how to simplify their expressions further.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights and partial derivations, with some suggesting the use of trigonometric identities to express sinθ and cosθ in terms of tanθ. There is an ongoing exploration of how to manipulate the equations to achieve the desired forms, but no consensus has been reached on the final expressions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem statement, which requires expressing certain variables in terms of others without providing complete solutions. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationships between the variables involved in projectile motion.

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:)
 

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