How do I derive this equation? HELP

  • Thread starter Thread starter psychfan29
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derive
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation for the derivative of a projectile's vertical position with respect to the angle of launch, θ. The initial equation provided is y = yinitial + (vinitial * sin(θ)) * t - (1/2) * g * t^2. By substituting t with x/(vinitial * cos(θ)), the user seeks to differentiate the resulting equation with respect to θ. The correct derivative is found to be (dy)/(dθ) = x * sec^2(θ) - [(g * x^2 * tan(θ) * sec^2(θ)) / (vinitial^2)], utilizing the chain rule and quotient rule for differentiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus, specifically differentiation techniques.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly sine, cosine, and tangent.
  • Knowledge of projectile motion equations and their components.
  • Ability to apply the quotient rule in calculus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the chain rule in calculus.
  • Learn about the quotient rule and its applications in differentiation.
  • Explore projectile motion equations in physics, focusing on angle of launch effects.
  • Practice deriving equations involving trigonometric functions and their derivatives.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or mathematics, educators teaching calculus or projectile motion, and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of differentiation in the context of physics equations.

psychfan29
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
How do I derive this equation?!? HELP!

I started with the equation:
y=yinitial + (vinitialsintheta)t -1/2gt^2

I plugged in t=x/(vinitialcostheta)

to get: y=yinitial + x (tantheta) - [(gx^2)/(2(vinitial^2)(cos^2theta))]

Using derivatives, how do I get from this equation:

y=yinitial + x (tantheta) - [(gx^2)/(2(vinitial^2)(cos^2theta))]

to this equation:

(dy)/(dtheta)=
x(sec^2theta)-[(gx^2(tantheta)(sec^2theta))/(vinitial^2)]

I am completely and totally and utterly confused, bewildered, perplexed, and a list of other things.
Plese help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org


To get from y=yinitial + x (tantheta) - [(gx^2)/(2(vinitial^2)(cos^2theta))]

to this equation:

(dy)/(dtheta)=
x(sec^2theta)-[(gx^2(tantheta)(sec^2theta))/(vinitial^2)] ---

Taking y and x not to vary with theta.. then they are taken as constants.
differentiating yinitial wrt theta gets 0,
differentiating x tantheta wrt theta gets x sec^2 theta (differentiate tangent to get sec^2)

You could use quotient rule for the last term to get
[gx^2 . (2 cos theta sin theta)] / [2 vinitial (cos^4 theta)]

before simplifying to get the eventual equation..
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
1K