Kinematics projectile motion with constant acceleration.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the initial speed required for a baseball to achieve a home run distance of 188 meters, given an initial launch angle of 56 degrees and a starting height of 0.9 meters. Participants clarify the use of kinematic equations for both the horizontal and vertical components of motion, emphasizing the importance of considering both directions to find the initial velocity. The correct application of these equations leads to the determination of the initial velocity, which was found to be 45 m/s. Additionally, a follow-up question regarding the height of the ball over a fence located 116 meters away was posed, indicating further exploration of projectile motion concepts. The conversation highlights the complexities of solving projectile motion problems with constant acceleration.
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Homework Statement



According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the longest home run ever measured was hit by Roy “Dizzy” Carlyle in a minor league game. The ball traveled 188 m before landing on the ground outside the ballpark.

Assuming the ball's initial velocity was 56 degrees above the horizontal and ignoring air resistance, what did the initial speed of the ball need to be to produce such a home run if the ball was hit at a point 0.9 m above ground level? Assume that the ground was perfectly flat.

Homework Equations



Any constant acceleration equations.

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok, so this is my problem. I have all the meters, but can't find any velocities.

x = 188
y= 0ay = -9.8
ax=0

Xo = 0
Yo = 0.9

? sin 56 = Voy
? cos 56 = Vox

I don't really know what to do from here. ='(

I did write 0= Voy^2+2(-9.8)(-0.9) = 4.2 m/s = Voy, and I have a lot of values after that, but I don't think I'm doing it right.
 
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Write down the constant acceleration equations that you know of, then plug in the values you have for the terms. You need only one constant acceleration equation. The one for distance.
 
0-0.9=Voy(t)+.5(-9.8)(t^2)

Vy-Voy =(-9.8)(t)

V^2y = V^2oy + 2(-9.8)(0-0.9)

Is Voy 0?
 
Voy is the component of the initial velocity in the y direction. That is, if the magnitude of the initial velocity is Vo, then it's Vo sin 56.

Also, Vox = Vo cos 56.

The three equations you have written down are correct. But you've considered only the y direction. Write down the same equations for the x direction.
 
188-0=Vox(t)

Vx = Vox

V^2x = V^ox
 
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The 3 equations you've written for the x direction are also correct.

But wait. You want to add something to your equations for the y direction? Why do you think 0= V^2oy- V^2y ?
 
omoplata said:
The 3 equations you've written for the x direction are also correct.

But wait. You want to add something to your equations for the y direction? Why do you think 0= V^2oy- V^2y ?

I think they equal zero because the velocity at he beginning will equal the velocity at the end, except it will be negative, thus giving me Voy=4.2 m/s.
 
The equation of motion is,

V^2y = V^2oy + 2*ay*(y-Yo)

So,

V^2y - V^2oy = 2*ay*(y-Yo)

Which is not equal to 0. The velocity at a height of 0.9 m will be the negative of velocity at the beginning. Not the velocity at 0 height.

OK, proceeding with the solution to the problem,

You have for the y direction,

0-0.9=Voy(t)+.5(-9.8)(t^2)
Vy-Voy =(-9.8)(t)
V^2y = V^2oy + 2(-9.8)(0-0.9)

You have for the x direction,

188-0=Vox(t)
Vx = Vox
V^2x = V^ox

Also you have,

Vox = Vo cos 56
Voy = Vo sin 56

Which ones of these 8 equations can you use to find the answer. Look for common variables between equations.
 
Ok, thanks for the explanation.

188= Vo(cos 56)t

-0.9=Vo(sin 56)t
 
  • #10
Crusaderking1 said:
-0.9=Vo(sin 56)t

Where did you get this one from?
 
  • #11
omoplata said:
Where did you get this one from?

x-xo = Vo(cos 56)t
188-0= Vo(cos 56)t

y-yo = Vo(sin 56)t
0-0.9= Vo(sin 56)t
 
  • #12
Crusaderking1 said:
y-yo = Vo(sin 56)t
0-0.9= Vo(sin 56)t

You had this equation before,

0-0.9=Voy(t)+.5(-9.8)(t^2)

How did the ".5(-9.8)(t^2)" term disappear?
 
  • #13
omoplata said:
You had this equation before,

0-0.9=Voy(t)+.5(-9.8)(t^2)

How did the ".5(-9.8)(t^2)" term disappear?

ok, it doesn't.

Thanks.
 
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  • #14
part b) How far would the ball be above a fence 3.0m high if the fence was 116 m from home plate?

I received 45 m/s for initial velocity finally! thanks!

I don't know where to start part b.

nevermind, i did it.
 
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  • #15
Crusaderking1 said:
nevermind, i did it.

Do you mean you did part b) ?
 
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