Horizontal range questions help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the horizontal range of a ball rolling off a table and a bullet fired from a rifle, both at a height of 3 meters. Participants explore the implications of initial velocities on the calculations related to their respective motions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevance of vertical and horizontal components of motion, questioning whether the initial velocities affect the outcomes. There is an exploration of the equation used for calculating time and range, with some participants seeking clarification on the full context of the questions posed.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the interpretation of the problem and the equations involved. There is a recognition of the need for clarity regarding the specific questions being asked, particularly in relation to horizontal range and time in the air.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster did not fully state the questions, leading to ambiguity in the discussion. There is also mention of potential confusion regarding the relevance of horizontal velocity in the calculations.

Sonny18n
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Homework Statement


A ball rolls off a table at an initial velocity of 2.5 m/s. The table's height is 3 meters. Similarly another question asks for the same thing except this time it's a rifle shooting a bullet with a velocity of 250 m/s with a height of 3 meters.

Homework Equations


The formula I have is this: sqrt(2*height divided by 9.8)

The Attempt at a Solution


I got the same answer for both because the height is the same but their velocities are radically different. Do they not factor into the formula?
 
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No...because the vertical component is zero in both cases.
 
CWatters said:
No...because the vertical component is zero in both cases.
So my answer would be the same for the two questions?
 
Probably, but you don't actually state the full question. Are they asking about the velocity the ball hits the ground? The time taken to hit the ground? How high it bounces? Sure I could work it out from the equation you use but how can I tell if you are using the right equation?

Do you understand why you are using that equation and not one that includes the horizontal velocity? Many of the equations of motion include the initial velocity. What is the relevant initial velocity in this case?

Edit: I might be totally wrong. The question title talks about horizontal range? Is that what the question asks you to calculate?

Edit 2: sqrt(2*height divided by 9.8) = ?
 
Perhaps I'm being too cryptic.

You quote the equation "sqrt(2*height divided by 9.8)". What does that give you?
 
CWatters said:
Probably, but you don't actually state the full question. Are they asking about the velocity the ball hits the ground? The time taken to hit the ground? How high it bounces? Sure I could work it out from the equation you use but how can I tell if you are using the right equation?

Do you understand why you are using that equation and not one that includes the horizontal velocity? Many of the equations of motion include the initial velocity. What is the relevant initial velocity in this case?

Edit: I might be totally wrong. The question title talks about horizontal range? Is that what the question asks you to calculate?

Edit 2: sqrt(2*height divided by 9.8) = ?
Yeah, I'm looking for the horizontal range and how long it spends in the air. I have .78 as the answers. That would mean the horizontal range is 1.56, right?
 
Sorry to sound picky but I assume you mean 0.78 seconds? If so then yes that's correct. for both.

Which one (ball or bullet) has a range of 1.56 kilometres?
 

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