Hitting a rocket with a projectile

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
53 replies · 7K views · last reply
Thanks, I finally got ##\tan (\theta) = \frac {3A( A + 2 g )} {4 d B^2}##
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It is should be ##\frac { 3A( A + 2g )} {4Bd}##?
Because ##v_{x,0}= \frac {Bd(\sqrt{3A/B})} {3A}##
where,##v_{x,0} t_f= d##
 
Last edited:
MichaelTam said:
Thanks, I finally got ##\tan (\theta) = \frac {3A( A + 2 g )} {4 d B^2}##
Use dimensional analysis to check your working.
Given the rocket's acceleration formula, A has dimension LT-2, B is LT-4. Your answer above fails the test.
 
So the A must be in two dimension and B is 4 dimension, or A should be 1 dimension and B should be 3 dimension?
 
Diagram of a projectile launched at speed v0 and angle theta0 from the left, toward a rocket a horizontal distance d away on the right, with gravity g pointing down and the rocket's acceleration a(t) = A - Bt^2 pointing up.
Handwritten notes on lined paper deriving rocket motion: acceleration a(t) = A - Bt^2, velocity and y-position integrals, time t_f = sqrt(3A/B), impact altitude, and a sketch of velocity components v_y,0 and v_x,0 at angle theta_0 with a second diagram of the position y(t_f).
Handwritten derivation on lined paper solving for v_y,0 using t_f, A, B and g, with substitutions t_f = sqrt(3A/B) and a final result v_y,0 = (A+2g)/4 times sqrt(3A/B).
Handwritten derivation on lined paper: v_x,0 = d/t_f with t_f = sqrt(3A/B), leading to tan(θ) = v_y,0/v_x,0 = 3A(A+2g)/(4Bd) after substitution.
 
I had post all of m steps and assumptions, but I don’t know where I am wrong?
 
Is this time I get the correct dimensions of both A and B?
 
MichaelTam said:
So the A must be in two dimension and B is 4 dimension, or A should be 1 dimension and B should be 3 dimension?
Sounds like you have not learned dimensional analysis. You should, it's quite easy and very useful.
 
I know, but I find don’t know if 3Ag is in two dimension, and## 4dB^2## is in 4 dimensions respect to time?Can I count the g as a dimension for 3Ag?And is ##4dB^2## is not in 4 dimension but in 3 dimension?
 
I just remember the analysis...when you tell me up about that tool.
 
MichaelTam said:
I know, but I find don’t know if 3Ag is in two dimension, and## 4dB^2## is in 4 dimensions respect to time?
[Ag]=LT-2LT-2=L2T-4
[dB2]=L(LT-4)2=L3T-8.
 
So it still incorrect?But where I am wrong...Is my assumption of ##v_{x,0}## is not correct or I make mistake on the ##v_{y,0}##?
 
MichaelTam said:
So it still incorrect?But where I am wrong...
The point about using dimensional analysis is that you can check each step. Use 'binary chop'. Start in the middle of your working; if it's ok there go to three quarters of the way , etc.
 
My assumption in the
## v_{y,0}-(gt_f/2)= (At_f/2) - (Bt_f/12)## ( after simplify ) is not correct in dimension ?
 
I still can’t find out how I get wrong although I know the thing I said before is wrong, I don’t know how to fix it...
 
Your last line in post #36 is ##\tan(\theta)=\frac{3A(A+2g)}{4Bd}##, which is dimensionally correct and looks like the right answer to me.
How do you know it is wrong?
 
I pass the course!,!,!
Verified certificate of achievement from MITx and edX for 8.01.1x: Mechanics: Kinematics and Dynamics, issued 2020 to a named student, with signatures of Deepto Chakrabarty and Krishna Rajagopal.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Hamiltonian