How Far Will a Golf Ball Fly When Hit at an Angle?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the projectile motion of a golf ball hit at an angle of 42.0° with an initial speed of 19.1 m/s. Participants are exploring how to calculate the distance the ball will travel while neglecting air resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss breaking down the initial velocity into x and y components and question which equations to use for time and distance calculations. There are attempts to find the vertical velocity at maximum height and to determine the time of flight based on the vertical motion.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and guidance on using equations related to projectile motion. There is an ongoing exploration of how to correctly apply these equations, particularly in relation to vertical and horizontal components of motion. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being examined, and participants are actively questioning their calculations and assumptions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to consider vertical initial velocity and acceleration due to gravity, as well as the potential confusion regarding the application of formulas for different components of motion.

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Homework Statement


After a golf ball is hit it takes off with an initial speed of 19.1 m/s and at an angle of 42.0° with respect to the horizontal. The golf field is flat and horizontal. Neglecting air resistance how far will the golf ball fly?

Homework Equations


How high will the golf ball rise?
How much time will the ball spend in the air?
How far would the ball fly if the initial speed was doubled?
How much time would the ball spend in the air in this second case?

The Attempt at a Solution


I broke up the Original Vector into their x and y components.

x component = 14.19
y component = 12.7

I know the acceleration is -9.8m/s. but I don't know which equation to use because you're missing the time.
 
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A hint for the first question. What would the vertical velocity be when the ball has reached its maximum height?
 
It would be zero no?
 
trebashkin said:
It would be zero no?

Yes it would. Thus, you can use an equation which relates initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration and displacement to one another.

Edit: Oh, I didn't see the question "how far will the ball fly." If I were answering this, I'd do the "how long will the ball stay in the air" part before the "how far will the ball fly" part-- but that's just me!
 
Last edited:
Correct. Find the time it takes for the ball to reach its maximum height, using your velocity equation, then plug that time into your distance equation.
 
Alright so I do

Vf^2 = Vi^2 + 2a x displacement

Vf = 0
Vi = 19.1
a = 19.8

But I get 18.57 and the online assignment says I'm incorrect.
 
trebashkin said:
Alright so I do

Vf^2 = Vi^2 + 2a x displacement

Vf = 0
Vi = 19.1
a = 19.8

But I get 18.57 and the online assignment says I'm incorrect.

That's because you used 19.1 for your initial velocity. Remember we are considering the vertical direction, so you need to use the vertical initial velocity. Also, a=-9.8
 
Aha! Alright then, got that answer right. Thanks a bunch.
 
And now I'm stuck once again. I did what l46kok did and found the time using the maximum height and I found that to be 1.29s

0=12.7-9.8t
1.29s =t

But I plug that into x = xo + volt + 1/2a(t)^2
and I get 32.79 which is wrong. I am not sure if I have the right time..
 

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