How do i compute distance if shot at 45degrees

  • Thread starter joec_49
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In summary, to compute the distance of a ball shot from a cannon with a muzzle velocity of 100 fps at a 45 degree angle, you can use the equation x = t*v*cos45, where t is the time it takes for the ball to hit the ground and v is the initial velocity. By solving for t using the equation y = vyt - (1/2)gt² = 0, and substituting the values of v and g, you can find the horizontal distance of the ball. This can also be calculated using the formula R = (u^2*sin2θ)/g, where u is the initial speed and θ is the angle of projection.
  • #1
joec_49
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If I shoot a ball out of a cannon with muzzle velocity of 100 fps at 45 degree angle, how do I compute how far I shoot it? Ignore air resistance for this.
 
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  • #2
Horizontal component of vel. is 100cos(45deg)=70.7, which stays constant. Vertical component is 100sin(45deg)=70.7, which is subject to gravity.

The vertical distance as a function of time =vt-gt2/2, where v=70.7 and g=32. Set distance = 0 and solve for t. The non-zero solution will tell you the time it hit the ground, multiply by the horizontal velocity to get the distance.
 
  • #3
so for muzzle velocity Vm, I solve for t as indicated and get Vm/16=t.
Then multiply that t by VmxCos(45) or Vm x.707; so it seems I simply
multiply muzzle velocity by .707 to get the distance for any muzzle velocity.
Is it that simple?
 
  • #4
I did not understand the last remark. But anyway:

x=t*v*cos45

t=(2*v*cos45)/g

so x=(2*v2*cos452)/g where cos452=1/2

=> x=v2/g ( solution for distance in the case of 45' angle shooting)

x-required distance
v-muzzle velocity
t-time it takes for the slug to rise and fall to earth

Hope i did not do any mistakes :P...
 
  • #5
Shoudn't x=(2*v^2*t*cos45^2)
and thus x=t*v^2/g instead of v^2/g
Just curious...
 
  • #6
joec_49 said:
Shoudn't x=(2*v^2*t*cos45^2)
and thus x=t*v^2/g instead of v^2/g
Just curious...

?

x = vxt

Since the angle is 45 deg, and sin45 = cos45:

vy = vx = v sin(45) = 100 sin(45)

And t is the time for the object to go up and come down. So:

y = vyt - (1/2)gt² = 0

Could you solve it for t?
 
  • #7
Sure t=2Vy/a - thus 2x70.7/32=4.41875 secs
which then gives 312ft for horizontal distance
from 4.41875x70.7. This all from a muzzle velocity of 100 fps
aimed at a 42degree angle

is that correct?
 
  • #8
joec_49 said:
Sure t=2Vy/a - thus 2x70.7/32=4.41875 secs
which then gives 312ft for horizontal distance
from 4.41875x70.7. This all from a muzzle velocity of 100 fps
aimed at a 42degree angle

is that correct?
Very well :)

Although I thought it was an angle of 45 deg. But you get the idea, so that's fine.
 
  • #9
joec_49 said:
Shoudn't x=(2*v^2*t*cos45^2)
and thus x=t*v^2/g instead of v^2/g
Just curious...

No because

x=t*v^2/g

would mean that

m=s*(m2*s2)*s2/m=m*s

m is not equal to m*s

basically the measuring units have to be the same.
 
  • #10
well...if you are shooting from level ground

then the maximum range(R) of the projectile will be

R= ( [tex]^{}u^2[/tex] )/g

so your answer would be..approx 1020 feet...

actually for a projectile fired from level ground on solving the various equations of motion you'll get

Range = { [tex]^{}u^2[/tex]Sin2θ }/ g

here θ is the angle of projection...

this only works when the projectile is shot and lands at the same level...
so it's best to stick to the euqations of motion...but in level to level cases, this formula can save time...
 
  • #11
What is u in your reply? thanks/Joe
 
  • #12
if horizontal flight time is t=2xVxcos(45)/a
distance horizontally is txVxcos(45)
combining them is 2xv^2*cos^2(45)/a and for
100fps initial velocity on level ground, this means a distance of 312.5 feet
Note that (from above) v^2sin(2x45)/g also works and gives 312,5 ft
If this correct, thanks to all for all your help.
if this is wrong, where am I wrong?
 
  • #13
joec_49 said:
if horizontal flight time is t=2xVxcos(45)/a
distance horizontally is txVxcos(45)
combining them is 2xv^2*cos^2(45)/a and for
100fps initial velocity on level ground, this means a distance of 312.5 feet
Note that (from above) v^2sin(2x45)/g also works and gives 312,5 ft
If this correct, thanks to all for all your help.
if this is wrong, where am I wrong?

Your answer is correct
 
  • #14
thanks to all for all your help
 
  • #15
sorry...forgot to mention this in my previous post,
'u' is the initial speed of the projectile...
in this case is would be 100fps
 

1. How do I calculate the distance of a shot at a 45 degree angle?

The distance of a shot at a 45 degree angle can be calculated using the formula d = v2sin(2θ)/g, where d is the distance, v is the initial velocity, θ is the angle, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Simply plug in the values and solve for d.

2. Can I use this formula for any projectile launched at 45 degrees?

No, this formula is specifically for projectiles launched at 45 degrees. For other launch angles, different formulas must be used.

3. What is the unit of measurement for the distance calculated?

The unit of measurement for the distance calculated using this formula is meters (m).

4. Are there any other factors that may affect the actual distance of a shot at 45 degrees?

Yes, there are other factors that may affect the distance, such as air resistance, wind speed, and elevation. These factors may cause the actual distance to differ slightly from the calculated distance.

5. Can I use this formula for both horizontal and vertical distances?

Yes, this formula can be used to calculate both horizontal and vertical distances for a projectile launched at 45 degrees. However, the formula will yield different values for each distance.

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