Need Help with Projectile Motion Homework?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving projectile motion problems in an Honors Physics I class. The first problem involves calculating the horizontal distance a rock travels after being kicked off a 20 m ledge, using the formula ΔY=1/2(a)(Δt)^2 to find Δt, which is approximately 2.0 seconds. The second problem requires determining the time of flight for a long-jumper with an initial velocity of 12 m/s at a 28-degree angle, where the vertical and horizontal components of velocity are calculated as Vy,i = 5.6 m/s and Vx = 10.6 m/s, respectively. The discussion highlights the need for initial horizontal velocity to determine the horizontal displacement accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, specifically ΔY=1/2(a)(Δt)^2
  • Knowledge of vector components in physics, including sine and cosine functions
  • Basic grasp of free-fall acceleration, specifically -9.8 m/s²
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of kinematic equations in projectile motion
  • Learn how to resolve vectors into their components using trigonometric functions
  • Explore the concept of initial horizontal velocity and its impact on projectile trajectory
  • Investigate advanced projectile motion problems involving varying angles and velocities
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, particularly those studying projectile motion, educators teaching physics concepts, and anyone seeking to improve their problem-solving skills in kinematics.

gabbiem10
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I am in an Honors Physics I class at my school and we are just starting to learn about projectile motion. I am having a bit of trouble with some homework and am in need of help.

Problems:
1. I kick a rock horizontally off a ledge that is 20 m high. Once in the air, the rock is in free-fall. How far forward does the rock travel before hitting the ground?
A: I used ΔY=1/2(a)(Δt)^2 to solve for Δt if ΔY = 20m Vy,i = 0 m/s and
a = -9.8 m/s2. I got Δt ≈ 2.0s. Is it even possible to solve this with the given information?

2. A long-jumper leaves the ground with an initial velocity of 12 m/s at an angle of 28 degrees above the horizontal. Determine the long-jumper's time of flight.
I solved for the y component using Vy,i = Rsinθ and
Vx = Rcosθ. Vy,i = 5.6 m/s and Vx = 10.6 m/s. a = -9.8 m/s^2 but that was as far as I could get with the given information.
 
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gabbiem10 said:
I am in an Honors Physics I class at my school and we are just starting to learn about projectile motion. I am having a bit of trouble with some homework and am in need of help.

Problems:
1. I kick a rock horizontally off a ledge that is 20 m high. Once in the air, the rock is in free-fall. How far forward does the rock travel before hitting the ground?
A: I used ΔY=1/2(a)(Δt)^2 to solve for Δt if ΔY = 20m Vy,i = 0 m/s and
a = -9.8 m/s2. I got Δt ≈ 2.0s. Is it even possible to solve this with the given information?

2. A long-jumper leaves the ground with an initial velocity of 12 m/s at an angle of 28 degrees above the horizontal. Determine the long-jumper's time of flight.
I solved for the y component using Vy,i = Rsinθ and
Vx = Rcosθ. Vy,i = 5.6 m/s and Vx = 10.6 m/s. a = -9.8 m/s^2 but that was as far as I could get with the given information.

1. Just a nudge, it won't go far forward. Forward depends on initial horizontal velocity.
2. Hidden data. Vertical displacement =0
 
azizlwl said:
1. Just a nudge, it won't go far forward. Forward depends on initial horizontal velocity.

The problem is that the initial horizontal velocity is not given neither is the horizontal displacement. The time was calulated base upon other given factors.
 

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