Calculating Missile Trajectory: Steps and Formula

Thread starter Greener
Start date Nov 24, 2003

In summary, horizontal and vertical components are two perpendicular vectors used to represent a larger vector. They are calculated using trigonometric functions and have a perpendicular relationship, forming a right triangle. These components affect motion by determining direction and magnitude, and are used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and navigation.

Nov 24, 2003

Greener

I have a question talking about a missile rising up at 22 m/s at 38 degrees from the horizon.

Does anybody know the steps I take to fins this out?
Even the base forumla would help.
Thanks

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Nov 24, 2003

himanshu121

horizontal component = 22[tex]\cos38[/tex]
vertical componet = 22[tex]\sin38[/tex]

Nov 24, 2003

Greener

Ok thank you so very much!

1. What are horizontal and vertical components?

Horizontal and vertical components are the two perpendicular vectors that make up a larger vector. Horizontal components are parallel to the x-axis, while vertical components are parallel to the y-axis.

2. How are horizontal and vertical components calculated?

Horizontal and vertical components can be calculated using trigonometric functions. The horizontal component is equal to the length of the vector multiplied by the cosine of the angle between the vector and the x-axis. The vertical component is equal to the length of the vector multiplied by the sine of the angle.

3. What is the relationship between horizontal and vertical components?

The relationship between horizontal and vertical components is always perpendicular. This means that the two components form a right triangle, with the vector as the hypotenuse.

4. How do horizontal and vertical components affect motion?

Horizontal and vertical components affect motion by determining the direction and magnitude of the movement. The horizontal component determines the direction along the x-axis, while the vertical component determines the direction along the y-axis.

5. What are some real-world applications of horizontal and vertical components?

Horizontal and vertical components are used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and navigation. For example, in engineering, these components are used to calculate forces and determine the stability of structures. In physics, they are used to analyze the motion of objects. In navigation, horizontal and vertical components are used to determine the direction and speed of an object's movement.