Horizontal velocity for projectile motion

In summary, the discussion revolved around a plane at the height of 1 km above the ground, moving horizontally at 200 m/s and firing a bullet at 400 m/s. The question is about the relevance of the plane's velocity in relation to the bullet's horizontal velocity, which was later clarified as being relative to the frame of reference. The final solution shows that the total horizontal velocity of the bullet is 319.45 m/s, but it could also be seen as 519.45 m/s from a different frame of reference.
  • #1
Michael Ngo
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Homework Statement


There was a plane with the height of 1 km above the ground. The plane is moving horizontally 200 m/s and can fire a bullet with the velocity of 400 m/s. At one time, the the gun form an angle of 37(degree) and fired the bullet.

I was confused with the horizontal (x-axis) velocity of the bullet. Does the velocity of the plane firing the gun also relevant or does it not ?

Homework Equations


The equation for the horizontal velocity of the bullet should be :
Vx = Vo. Cos37

The Attempt at a Solution


So it should be
Vx = Vo. Cos37 = 319.45 m/s

If the plane is moving 200 m/s horizontally. Does it add up with the horizontal velocity of the bullet? Like for say the total horizontal velocity of the bullet is 319.45 m/s + 200 m/s = 519.45 m/s .

Can someone explain it to me ? Sorry for asking such trivial question
 
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  • #2
This is about relative motion, right? So it depends on your frame of reference. According to the plane's frame of reference, the bullet would be moving 319 m/s, but according to someone on the ground, the bullet would be moving at 519 m/s.
 
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Likes Michael Ngo
  • #3
Oh, i see. So its relative. Thank you sir
 

1. What is horizontal velocity in projectile motion?

Horizontal velocity is the speed at which an object is moving in the horizontal direction during projectile motion. It remains constant throughout the motion, assuming there is no air resistance.

2. How is horizontal velocity related to the initial velocity in projectile motion?

The initial velocity of a projectile can be broken down into its horizontal and vertical components. The horizontal component of the initial velocity is equal to the horizontal velocity throughout the motion.

3. Does horizontal velocity affect the trajectory of a projectile?

No, horizontal velocity does not affect the trajectory of a projectile. The trajectory is solely determined by the vertical component of the initial velocity and the acceleration due to gravity.

4. How does increasing the horizontal velocity affect the range of a projectile?

Increasing the horizontal velocity of a projectile will increase its range, assuming the vertical component of the initial velocity and the acceleration due to gravity remain constant. This is because the object will spend more time in the air and cover a greater horizontal distance.

5. Can horizontal velocity ever be zero in projectile motion?

Yes, horizontal velocity can be zero at the highest point of a projectile's trajectory. This is because the object has reached its maximum height and is about to start falling back down, so its horizontal velocity is momentarily zero.

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