How Do You Calculate Initial Velocity with Angled Projectile Motion?

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To calculate the initial velocity of a ball launched at a 50-degree angle and landing at coordinates (4, 7, 0), the equations for projectile motion are used. The horizontal motion equations are x = (voCos(50)Cos(theta))t and y = (voCos(50)Sin(theta))t. The time of flight is derived from the x-coordinate, leading to t = x/(voCos(50)). Substituting this into the y-equation allows for solving the initial velocity, resulting in vo = 8.957 m/s. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the equations of motion to find the initial velocity.
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Homework Statement



A ball is launched from the origin at an angle of inclination of 50 degrees above the xy plane. If the ball lands at coordinates (4,7,0), find the initial velocity of the ball.


Homework Equations


x=(voCos(50)Cos(theta))t
y=(voCos(50)Sin(theta))t



The Attempt at a Solution


Unfortunately, I have the answer, but I am unaware of how it was obtained.

x=.3189vot
y=.5581vot

z=vosin(50)t-4.9t^2

z=0 when t=.1563

so vo=sqrt(4/(.3189)(.1563)) = 8.957m/s

Can anyone give me some insight as to how the x and y was solved for?
 
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Hi Michels10, welcome to PF.
x= vo*cosθ*t. So t = x/vo*cosθ...(1)
y = vo*sinθ*t - 1/2*g*t^2...(2)
x and y is given. Angle of projection is given.
Substitute the value of t in eq.(2) and solve for vo
 
Hi, thank you for the response!

I made an effort to plug in t and I did not receive the correct answer.

7=vo*sin(50)(4/(vo*cos(50)))-(1/2)*(9.8)*((4/(Vo*cos(50)))^2

does this look correct?

I plugged it into wolfram and ended up with a result of +-(9.21823 i)
 
an angle of inclination of 50 degrees above the xy plane
The above statement indicates that the angle is above the xy plane, and the ball lands on the xy plane at the co-ordinates (4, 7, 0). So here y = 0 and x = sqrt(4^2 + 7^2).
Now try to solve the problem.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
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