Moving Reference Frames and Cannon

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a cannon mounted on a cart moving at a constant velocity, v. To ensure the cannonball lands back in the cannon's mouth, the angle θ must be calculated using the equation v = vbx = vb.cos θ, where vb represents the velocity of the cannonball. The analysis assumes a vacuum environment, eliminating air resistance, which simplifies the calculations. The relationship between the horizontal component of the cannonball's velocity and the cart's velocity is crucial for determining the correct angle.

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  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with basic trigonometry
  • Knowledge of reference frames in physics
  • Concept of velocity components in two-dimensional motion
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This is the question:

A physics lecture demonstration uses a small canon mounted on a cart that moves at constant velocity v across the floor. At what angle theta should the cannon point (measured from the horizontal floor of the cart) if the cannonball is to land back in the mouth of the cannon? Explain clearly your choice of frame of reference.
 
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The horizontal component of the velocity of the cannonball must be equal with the velocity of the cart.

v = vbx = vb.cos θ

cos θ = v/vb

where vb is the velocity of the cannonball

obs. Considering that it happens in the vacuum so there is no drag forces from the fluid (air).
 

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