Horizontal range of a projectile

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the horizontal distance a projectile travels when tossed from a height. The initial velocity of the ball is 7.80 m/s at an angle of 15.0° below the horizontal, and it strikes the ground after 6.00 seconds. The correct horizontal distance is determined using the formula DeltaX = Vx * t, where Vx is calculated using the cosine of the angle, not the sine. The accurate calculation yields a horizontal distance of 45.2 meters, correcting the initial miscalculation of 12.11 meters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Knowledge of basic kinematic equations
  • Ability to perform calculations involving time and velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of projectile motion equations
  • Learn how to apply trigonometric functions in physics problems
  • Explore the effects of initial velocity and angle on projectile range
  • Investigate real-world applications of projectile motion in sports and engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of projectile motion and its calculations.

dink87522
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A ball is tossed from an upper-story window of a building. The ball is given an initial velocity of 7.80 m/s at an angle of 15.0° below the horizontal. It strikes the ground 6.00 s later.
(a) How far horizontally from the base of the building does the ball strike the ground?


Homework Equations



Vx = xsinTheta

DeltaX = Vx . t

The Attempt at a Solution



Vx = 7.8sin(15) = 2.02 m/s^-1

DeltaX = (2.02)(6) = 12.11m

Something is seriously wrong in my answer although I can't see what. The answer should be 45.2m.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I realize I am using Vx = xsinTheta instead of Vx = xcosTheta, although why is it that? When drawing a triangle of this and doing the trig, I get the first equation, could someone please explain this.
 

Similar threads

Find final velocity in a horizontal projectile motion
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Projectile Motion Graph Analysis
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Is it possible to find dy given the values of dx and v?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Needing some help about time of flight of a launched ball/horiz range
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Projectile Motion Equation: Calculating Height from Initial Velocity and Time
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Calculating Projectile Distance on Pluto
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
How Do You Solve a Projectile Motion Problem?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Determining Speed given Horizontal and Vertical Distances
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Volcano Question, PHYS 200 final
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
Horizontal velocity for projectile motion
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K