Kinematics in 2d and projectile velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum average speed required for a tennis player to reach a lobbed ball. The ball is hit with an initial speed of 18.5 m/s at an angle of 47.0° above the horizontal. The player starts moving 0.30 seconds after the ball is hit and must reach the ball when it is 2.10 m above its launch point. The solution involves using kinematics equations to determine the vertical and horizontal components of the ball's motion and the opponent's average speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematics equations
  • Ability to calculate vector components (horizontal and vertical)
  • Knowledge of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts such as acceleration due to gravity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of kinematics equations for projectile motion
  • Learn how to calculate time of flight for projectiles
  • Explore the concept of relative motion in physics
  • Practice problems involving horizontal and vertical motion components
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding projectile motion and its applications in sports like tennis.

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Homework Statement



The lob in tennis is an effective tactic when your opponent is near the net. It consists of lofting the ball over his head, forcing him to move quickly away from the net (see the drawing). Suppose that you loft the ball with an initial speed of v = 18.5 m/s, at an angle of = 47.0° above the horizontal. At this instant your opponent is 10.0 m away from the ball. He begins moving away from you 0.30 s later, hoping to reach the ball and hit it back at the moment that it is 2.10 m above its launch point. With what minimum average speed must he move? (Ignore the fact that he can stretch, so that his racket can reach the ball before he does.)

Homework Equations



Kinematics equations.

The Attempt at a Solution



So far, I've gotten the x and y V components and plugged them into this: y=VyT - 1/2 g T ^2 , where Y is the displacement, to find time.

Vy=V sin 47
Vx=V cos 47
2.1=VyT-(1/2)(-9.8)T^2
 
Last edited:
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Ok you have this started correctly. Now think about the following.

What is the equation of motion for the opponent in the x direction?
(Think of him as moving at a constant speed, this will essentially be his average speed.)

What is the Equation of motion for the ball in the x direction?

Once you have these, you should be able to use both of the equations to solve for the opponents speed.
 

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