How Do You Solve a Kinematics Tennis Ball Problem Using d-v-a-t Formulas?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a kinematics problem involving a tennis ball shot through two hoops using d-v-a-t formulas. The key equations derived include y = a x + b x², where a = tan(θ) and b = g/(2(V₀cos(θ))²). The specific values for the hoops are y₁ = 4.0 m, x₁ = 2.0 m, y₂ = 3.0 m, and x₂ = 4.0 m. The challenge lies in expressing the coefficients a and b in terms of the launch speed V₀ and launch angle θ, as well as determining these values based on the given coordinates.

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  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Basic algebra for solving quadratic equations
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Homework Statement


) You are given the task of shooting a tennis ball from ground level through 2 hoops. The two hoops’ centers and the launch site are located in the same vertical plane, and the hoops are oriented perpendicular to the ball’s proposed trajectory and also in a vertical plane.The first hoop has a height y1 and is located at a horizontal distance from the x1 launch site (which is located at x0, y0). The second hoop is located at x2, y2.a) Use the d-v-a-t formulas to eliminate time and solve for the y-position as function of the x-position. In particular, show that y = a x + b x2Identify the quantities a and b in terms of launch speed v0 and launch angle q0, and the gravitational field strength g (which will later take on the value of 10 m/s2).b) Solve for a and b in terms of x1, y1, x2, and y2.c) For the case of y1 = 4.0 m, x1 = 2.0 m and y2 = 3.0 m, x2 = 4.0 m, determine the values of v0 and q0.

Homework Equations


y = Vy*t + .5(g)(t)^2
x = Vx*t
Vx = Vocos(theta)
Vy = Vosin(theta)

The Attempt at a Solution


I've solved the a) part of the question and gotten that the coefficient a = tan(theta) while the coefficient b = g/(2*(Vocos(theta))^2). I'm not sure how to put these two equations in terms of the position coordinates x1, x2, y2, and y1.
 
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Are you assuming the ball's trajectory will pass through the centers of the hoops? If so, then you have 3 points, (x0,y0), (x1,y1), and (x2,y2), to solve what appears to be a quadratic form.
Also, since simple ballistic motion is symmetric, you should see that you want the max y value to occur at (x1+x2)/2, so, you should be able to back that out into some requirement for q0 and v0.
 

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