Help With Some Physics Related Algebra (Projectile Motion) (Shot Put)

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 3K views
Brereton55
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hello,

My task is to derive an equation (based on projectile motion of a shot put ball) which gives the range (R) when given initial speed (v), angle of release (theta), and height of release (y)


Homework Equations


I've decided to use these equations:

[tex] v_0= \frac{R}{t*cos \theta}[/tex]

[tex] y = y_0 + v_0sin\theta* t + (1/2) g t^2[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I solve [tex] v_0= \frac{R}{t*cos \theta}[/tex] and get [tex] t=\frac{R}{v_0*cos \theta}[/tex]


then I plug it into [tex] y = y_0 + v_0sin\theta* t + (1/2) g t^2[/tex] for t and make y=0 to get max range.

I just can't seem to solve the algebra though :(
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hello Brereton55! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have a theta: θ and try using the X2 and X2 tags just above the Reply box :wink:)
Brereton55 said:
My task is to derive an equation (based on projectile motion of a shot put ball) which gives the range (R) when given initial speed (v), angle of release (theta), and height of release (y)

then I plug it into [tex] y = y_0 + v_0sin\theta* t + (1/2) g t^2[/tex] for t and make y=0 to get max range.

I just can't seem to solve the algebra though :(

Yes, that's fine …

the question isn't asking for the maximum range, only for the actual range for fixed values of v y and θ. :wink: