Horizontal velocity of a basketball as it goes through the hoop

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the horizontal velocity of a basketball as it passes through the hoop, focusing on the correct application of projectile motion equations. Participants analyze the initial conditions, including an initial launch angle of 45 degrees, and the need for three equations to solve for the three unknowns: initial velocity, launch angle, and time. The equations discussed include the x and y displacements and the relationship between the horizontal and vertical components of velocity at the moment of entry into the hoop.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion and kinematics
  • Familiarity with SUVAT equations
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Basic concepts of energy in physics (optional for deeper understanding)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the SUVAT equations in projectile motion
  • Learn how to resolve vectors into their components using trigonometric functions
  • Explore the concept of energy conservation in projectile motion
  • Practice solving problems involving two-dimensional motion with varying angles
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and projectile motion, as well as educators looking for examples of real-world applications of kinematic equations.

yesmale4
Messages
41
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
A basketball player who is 2.00 m tall is standing 8 m from the basket and throws a ball. The ball enters the basket (without striking the backboard) at θ=45° with the horizontal.
Assume that the basket height is 3.05 m.
Relevant Equations
4 constant acceleration equations
phzh.png


hey i don't understand why my answers are incorrect, here is my solution i would like if someone can help me understand what I am doing worng and how i should solve this problem
nn.jpeg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
First, I'd like to understand your solution. I can see numbers, some of which are legible, but no explanation of what you're doing.
 
Here's my attempt at a solution:
##6.31725 = 1.245631t + 32.222v_0##
##v_1 = 55.125 - 18.372 = 36.76753##

Now, can you tell me what am I doing wrong?
 
PeroK said:
First, I'd like to understand your solution. I can see numbers, some of which are legible, but no explanation of what you're doing.
yes of course, first of all i split the motion to two axes - X and Y
X:
v0 = v0cos45
V = v0cos45
t = ?
a=0
x =8m

Y:
v0= v0sin45
V = ?
a = -9.82m/s
t = ?
y=3.05m

t=(x-x0 )/v0
after i do this i use y=y0+v0*t+1/2*g*t^2
and than i found v0=9.509
 
PeroK said:
Here's my attempt at a solution:
##6.31725 = 1.245631t + 32.222v_0##
##v_1 = 55.125 - 18.372 = 36.76753##

Now, can you tell me what am I doing wrong?
no I am sorry i don't understand what you are doing worng
 
yesmale4 said:
yes of course, first of all i split the motion to two axes - X and Y
X:
v0 = v0cos45
V = v0cos45
Why is the initial launch angle ##45## degrees?
 
PeroK said:
Why is the initial launch angle ##45## degrees?
Because that's the angle that is given me in the question
 
yesmale4 said:
Because that's the angle that is given me in the question
That's the angle at which the ball goes into the hoop; not the angle with which it's launched.
 
PeroK said:
That's the angle at which the ball goes into the hoop; not the angle with which it's launched.
ohh i understand, do you have any idea how i can find it?
 
  • #10
yesmale4 said:
ohh i understand, do you have any idea how i can find it?
Do you know about energy? Or, only SUVAT formulas?
 
  • #11
PeroK said:
Do you know about energy? Or, only SUVAT formulas?
no we didnt learn energy yet
 
  • #12
yesmale4 said:
no we didnt learn energy yet
You have three unknowns: initial velocity, initial angle and time. So, I guess, you need three equations:

The x-displacement and y-displacement are two equations.

The third equation is that ##v_x = -v_y## when the ball enters the hoop. That's using the ##45## degrees.

Can you make progress from that?
 
  • #13
PeroK said:
You have three unknowns: initial velocity, initial angle and time. So, I guess, you need three equations:

The x-displacement and y-displacement are two equations.

The third equation is that ##v_x = -v_y## when the ball enters the hoop. That's using the ##45## degrees.

Can you make progress from that?
but X we have its equal to 8 and Y is equal to 1.05 , about the degrees i still don't understand how to find it
 
  • #14
You know that the time of flight is the distance traveled in each direction divided by the average velocity in that direction $$t_{\!f}=\frac{\Delta x}{\bar v_x}=\frac{\Delta y}{\bar v_y}$$ You also know the kinematic equation $$2(-g)\Delta y=v_{\!fy}^2-v_{0y}^2$$ All you need to do is
1. Find expressions for the average velocities in terms of their final and initial values.
2. Put it together. Substituting @PeroK's hint (his third equation), gives you a system of two equations and two unknowns, the initial components of the velocity.
 
Last edited:
  • #15
yesmale4 said:
but X we have its equal to 8 and Y is equal to 1.05 , about the degrees i still don't understand how to find it
The first step, I suggest, is write the equations for the ##x## and ##y## displaments. The ##x## displacement is the simplest, so I'll give you that as a further help:
$$x = v_0 t \cos \theta$$Where ##v_0## is the initial velocity and ##\theta## is the launch angle.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
10K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
995
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K