How Can Projectile Motion Equations Be Derived from Basic Kinematics?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving projectile motion equations from basic kinematics, specifically focusing on the relationships between various variables in the context of projectile motion. The original poster seeks to understand how to manipulate kinematic equations to derive specific formulas related to range and time of flight.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to isolate variables in kinematic equations and substitute them to derive new formulas. They question the usefulness of trigonometric identities in their derivation process. Some participants suggest defining variables for clarity and offer hints on determining the time of flight using calculus.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and clarifications. The original poster has made progress on part b of their inquiry but is still seeking assistance with part a. There is an exploration of different approaches to the problem, including the use of calculus and trigonometric identities.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of deriving equations based on given kinematic formulas and are questioning assumptions related to the definitions of variables and the conditions of projectile motion.

madeeeeee
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I want to derive some physics equations from other equations.

a) How can I derive this formula:
R=Vo^2(sin(sα) / -a
from these two equations:
(1) x=(Vo cosα)t
(2) y=(Vo sinα)t + 1/2at^2

Things I know
- I think the way to do this is to isolate the variable t in equation (1) and substitute the t in equation (2).
- Is the identity 2sin(theta) cos(theta)= sin(2theta) useful?
-When the projectile returns to its original level y=0
Please help me understand how to do this.

b) From equation
y=yo + Vyo t + 1/2at^2

how can I show that:
h= -1/2a(tf)^2

If I measure h and tf and recall that
a=-g sin (theta)
than this equation can be used to derive an equation for g in terms of tf, h and theta.

Please help!
 
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It would help if you defined your variables. What is sa? What is R? What is tf?
 
sorry its not sa its (2(alpha))
R is the range
tf is final time

so I did the part b and I got g=2h/(sin(theta)(tf)^2)...is this right? I still need help for the a)
 
Hint: Part a

Determine how long the projectile is in the air by determining how long it takes to reach its apex, then double it because it has to come down. You can get an equation for this time by using a little calculus on equation 2.

"Is the identity 2sin(theta) cos(theta)= sin(2theta) useful? "

Yes
 

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