How to Calculate Force and Velocity for a 20g Projectile at 15 Meters?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force and velocity required to launch a 20-gram projectile to a horizontal distance of 15 meters at an angle of 15 degrees. Participants are exploring the relevant physics concepts, including projectile motion and energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate velocity and force using a specific formula and provides initial calculations. Some participants question the accuracy of the formulas used, particularly regarding the inclusion of factors in the equations. Others seek clarification on the definitions of the angles and distances involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering insights and corrections to the original poster's calculations. There is an ongoing exploration of different interpretations of the projectile's motion and the appropriate formulas to use. Some guidance has been provided regarding the correct application of energy conservation principles.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential misunderstandings regarding the projectile's launch angle and the horizontal distance. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the formulas and seeks further clarification on launching angles.

Arthur Albert
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Missing template due to originally being posted in different forum
Hi guys, Please, someone can help me to solve some simple equations?
I Need to shoot a projectile with 20 grams at 15 meters and 15°.
So, I'm triyng to calculate the velocity and Force and what I will need to make this succesfull.

My Calcs:

*************************************************************************
Velocity= √(R*g)/sen θ
V= √(15m * 9,81) /sen15
V= 46,86 m/s
***
I= ΔQ or Qend - Qinitial. (Q = moviment quantity. Q= m.V)

I= (0,020kg * 46,86 m/s) - (0,020kg * 0 m/s)
I= 0,937 N.s

***
(I = Impulse // I= Force * Time)

0,937 N.s = Force * 0.1s
Force = 0,937 / 0,1 = 9,37 N.
**************************************************************************

This means I need to put just 9,37 Newtons on 0,1 seconds to shoot a 20 grams projectile at 15 meters and 46,86m/s? (at 15°)

Thank you for your attention and sorry for my bad english.
 
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Isn't the range formula with a sin(2θ)?
 
Hello AA, welcome to PF :smile: !

You want to be a bit more clear in your mission statement:
1. is the 15 degrees wrt horizontal ?
2. Is the 15 m in a horizontal direction ?

Your first calc equates potential energy from height with kinetic energy: ##{1\over 2} m (v\sin\theta)^2 = mgh ## hence ## v = \sqrt{2 g h}/\sin\theta ##.
So like Nasu I think there is a factor 2 missing, only in a different place.
Indeed your 46.86 m/s will only get the object to a height of 7.5 m (that factor 2).
But by then it has already traveled 56 m and it hits the ground at 112 m. Is that the idea ?
 
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I looked my notes but didn't has any "2" in the formula, my error.

The intention is throw the projectile 15m in a horizontal direction like that: http://imgur.com/rswHEH0 .

About the formula : √2gh / sin θ.
This will not just increase my velocity?
About the 15°, how can I calculate with 0° (parallel to the ground) ?

Thank you for the help Natsu and BvU!
Have a good day guys...
 
If it's about horizontal range, then you can look up the right formula here, for example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Range_of_a_projectile
If you launch from ground level, the second formula will apply.

If you want to have 0 degrees angle you need to launch from some height, don't you?
 
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I see now, thank you @nasu and @BvU .
I will do the calculations.!
 

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