Launch Angle and Distance Problem: Solving for Initial Speed and Maximum Height

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving projectile motion, specifically analyzing the launch angle and distance of a batted baseball. The original poster seeks to determine the initial speed of the ball and the maximum height it reaches after being hit at a 25-degree angle above the horizontal, with the ball being caught at the same height it was launched from, 370 feet away.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for additional information, such as time, to solve the problem. There is a suggestion to break down the velocity into its x and y components based on the given angle. Some participants express confusion regarding the initial speed and whether it was provided in the problem statement.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring different aspects of projectile motion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of velocity components and time calculations, but there is still uncertainty about the initial conditions and how to proceed with the solution.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of clarity regarding whether the initial speed is zero or if it can be derived from the given information. The problem's setup may not explicitly state the initial conditions, leading to confusion among participants.

Psiboi
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URGENT! General Launch Angle Problem

Homework Statement



A batted baseball leaves the bat at an angle of 25.0 above the horizontal and is caught by an outfielder 370 ft from home plate at the same height from which it left the bat

What was the initial speed of the ball?
How high does the ball rise above the point where it struck the bat?

Homework Equations


the 3 acceleration equations

v = vo + at
v^2 = vo^2 + 2a(deltax)
x = xo + volt + 1/2at^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried everything but it seems like this problem is impossible without at least a time or something. This problem isn't a typo tho and there is definitely a solution.
 
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Psiboi said:

Homework Statement



A batted baseball leaves the bat at an angle of 25.0 above the horizontal and is caught by an outfielder 370 ft from home plate at the same height from which it left the bat

What was the initial speed of the ball?
How high does the ball rise above the point where it struck the bat?

Homework Equations


the 3 acceleration equations

v = vo + at
v^2 = vo^2 + 2a(deltax)
x = xo + volt + 1/2at^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried everything but it seems like this problem is impossible without at least a time or something. This problem isn't a typo tho and there is definitely a solution.

Welcome to PF.

Looks to me like you can develop the information you need.

What are the x and y components of velocity. Hint: you have the angle given and the speed.
 


i don't see how i was given speed? just the full distance of the ball :(
 


Apparently, or maybe not, it seems Vi = 0 m/s ? Problems really should mention it began from rest.
 


Psiboi said:
i don't see how i was given speed? just the full distance of the ball :(

No you weren't given the speed. I mistyped. I meant to say you can find the speed from the information given.

Express the velocity in terms of its components. You do know the angle.

Now solve for time. You have two ways to express these velocities with time and distance.

For instance Vy = VSin25 and the time to max height

0 = Vy - g*t

tmax = Vy/g = (VSin25)/g then double that to return to the glove

t(total) = 2*(VSin25)/g

Now you know the equation that expresses distance as a function of time and x-velocity. And you have an expression that gives you time to travel that distance. Solve for V.
 


I don't understand how to work out this problem at all, how to get the answers.
 

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