How Can I Get This Equation From These 3 Equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of an elliptical equation from three projectile motion equations. The equations provided include the horizontal position equation (EQ.2: x = vt cos(θ)) and the vertical position equation (EQ.3: y = -1/2 gt² + vtsin(θ)). The user expresses skepticism about the validity of obtaining an elliptical equation from these projectile equations, asserting that the resulting equation describes a parabola instead. The user concludes that the elliptical nature of the orbit is not captured due to the use of flat-Earth coordinates, suggesting that polar coordinates would reveal the true elliptical trajectory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion equations
  • Familiarity with algebraic substitution techniques
  • Knowledge of coordinate systems, particularly polar coordinates
  • Basic principles of gravitational physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of projectile motion equations in physics
  • Learn about the differences between Cartesian and polar coordinates
  • Explore the mathematical properties of elliptical orbits in gravitational fields
  • Investigate the implications of using flat-Earth vs. spherical coordinates in trajectory analysis
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching projectile motion, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of trajectories in gravitational fields.

Mohammad-Za
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Hi, I've Read an Article That Says:
If:
EQ.1:
gif.gif


and EQ2:
http://latex.codecogs.com/gif.latex?x=vtcos(\theta)

and EQ3:
http://latex.codecogs.com/gif.latex?y=-\frac{1}{2}gt^2 + vtsin(\theta)

We Can Get The Following Equation (an Ellipse Equation) By Substituting t(EQ1) into EQ.2 and EQ.3 Using StraightForward Algebra:
http://latex.codecogs.com/gif.latex?(y-\frac{v^2}{4g})^2 + \frac{1}{4}x^2=(\frac{v^2}{4g})^2

But How it is Possible?!
 
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I don't believe that the coordinates ##x## and ##y## defined here will satisfy an elliptical equation. These are the equations for the position of an object propelled into a ballistic trajectory on Earth. If you solve eq. 2 for ##t## and then substitute into eq. 3, you will get the equation of a parabola:

$$ y= - \frac{g}{2v^2 \cos^2\theta}
\left( x - \frac{ v^2 \sin(2\theta)}{2 g } \right)^2
+ \frac{ v^2 \sin^2\theta}{2 g }.$$

This is an approximation to the true elliptical gravitational orbit of the object. The reason we don't get an ellipse is because ##x## is a flat-Earth coordinate that does not follow the direction of the true curvature of the Earth's surface. In polar coordinates the elliptical nature of the orbit should emerge. I believe that this article should have a correct analysis of the situation.
 
Thank you. But my teacher said he had proved the equation. But he didn't prove it t for me
 

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