Need work checked(dyanmics projectile problem)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a dynamics problem involving projectile motion, specifically the calculation of the initial velocity required for a basketball player to successfully shoot a ball into a hoop from a certain distance and height. Participants are working through the mathematical equations and attempting to verify their calculations based on given parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem and their initial calculations for the initial velocity (Vo) required for two different distances from the backboard.
  • Another participant points out a potential typo in the equations, suggesting that the time variable (t) was omitted in a critical equation.
  • There is a discussion about the correct value for the initial height (Y0) and the final height (Yf) of the ball, with some participants asserting that Yf should not be zero when the ball reaches the hoop.
  • One participant recalculates the time (t) based on the corrected values and arrives at a different initial velocity (Vo), leading to further discussion about the accuracy of their calculations.
  • Multiple participants express uncertainty regarding the value of time (t) and how it affects their calculations, with differing results being reported.
  • There are corrections and refinements made to the equations used, with participants attempting to clarify their steps and resolve discrepancies in their results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct values for time (t) and initial velocity (Vo), with multiple competing views and calculations presented throughout the discussion. Uncertainty remains regarding the accuracy of the mathematical steps taken by various participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion over the treatment of the time variable in their equations, leading to different results for time and initial velocity. There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions that affect the calculations, particularly regarding the initial and final heights of the ball.

LightMech
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First time poster, site looks very informative so I thought I would make a post. This is for Mechanics class and now covering Dynamics. This is my take home problem.

A basket ball player shoots when she is 5 m from the backboard. Knowing that the ball has an intial velocity Vo at an angle of 30⁰ with the horizontal, determine the value of Vo when d is equal to (a) 228 mm, (b) 420 mm.


Homework Statement


given info:
x: player is 5M from back board
y: initial height of ball 2m from floor, hoop is 3.048m from floor
angle: 30⁰
d: this is the distance from the back board or offset

Homework Equations


x = Vo cos(30)*t
y = Yo + Vo*sin(30)t - 1/2gt^2

The Attempt at a Solution


x = 5m - .288m = 4.772m
4.772m = Vo*cos(30)*t
Vo = 4.772/cos(30)

y = 2m + (4.772m/cos(30))*sin(30)t - 1/2(9.81)t^2
t = .987s

Vo = 4.772/cos(30)*(.987s)
= 5.44m/s

Using same method
b = 5.13m/s
Found a picture for the problem on the net for better clarity:
http://books.google.com/books?id=A_...esnum=3&ved=0CBEQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=&f=false"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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So its been several days now and no response. Perhaps I would have had better luck under the Physics section? If I did not explain the problem clearly I posted a link to the problem which includes a picture. I am pretty confident my work is correct but would feel a lot better if someone else can confirm this work accurate.
 
Equations look good, but check your math and you have a typo , should be Vo = 4.772/cos(30)*t (you left out the 't'). What value are you using for y?
 
I am solving for 't', so y = 0. But I use 2m for my Y0.
Here is a little more detail in my steps:
x = Vo cos(30)*t
4.772m = Vo*cos(30)*t
Vo = 4.772/cos(30)t
y = Yo + Vo*sin(30)t - 1/2gt^2
0 = 2m + (4.772m/cos(30))*sin(30)t - 1/2(9.81)t^2
(4.9)t^2 = (4.775)t^1/2
t = .987s
Vo = 4.772/cos(30)*(.987s)
= 5.44m/s
 
I am not sure about my value for 't'. I take the square root of both sides and solve for t, I get .987 when 4.9 over 4.775 or 1.013 when 4.775 over 4.9.
 
LightMech said:
I am solving for 't', so y = 0.
y is not 0 when the ball hits the basket.
But I use 2m for my Y0.
Here is a little more detail in my steps:
x = Vo cos(30)*t
4.772m = Vo*cos(30)*t
Vo = 4.772/cos(30)t
y = Yo + Vo*sin(30)t - 1/2gt^2
0 use correct value for y[/color]= 2m + (4.772m/cos(30)t[/color])*sin(30)t - 1/2(9.81)t^2
you keep making the same error by omitting the t [/color]I've added in red.
 
Geeze I can't believe I mist that. Okay so:
Yo = 2m
Yf = 3.048m
3.048m = 2m + (4.772m/cos(30)t)*sin(30)t - 1/2(9.81)t^2
t = 1.7s
Vo = 4.772/cos(30)*(1.7s)
V0 = 9.37m/s
 
LightMech said:
Geeze I can't believe I mist that. Okay so:
Yo = 2m
Yf = 3.048m
3.048m = 2m + (4.772m/cos(30)t)*sin(30)t - 1/2(9.81)t^2
t = 1.7s
Vo = 4.772/cos(30)*(1.7s)
V0 = 9.37m/s
you seem to be having trouble with your math

1.048 = (4.772/cos30)sin30 -1/2(9.81)t^2

solve for t = ?
 
Ok, this is what I am doing:
4.9t^2= -1.048+(4.772/cos30)sin30 t's cancel on right side?
taking square toot to both sides and solving for t:
2.21t= 1.306
t=.59s

I am moving t^2 to the left side, I don't know why I am now getting different valudes for t.
 
  • #10
LightMech said:
Ok, this is what I am doing:
4.9t^2= -1.048+(4.772/cos30)sin30 t's cancel on right side?
taking square toot to both sides and solving for t:
2.21t= 1.306
t=.59s

I am moving t^2 to the left side, I don't know why I am now getting different valudes for t.
Yes, that looks better. I'm not sure what you were doing before.
 
  • #11
Thank you Phantom, I wasnt taking care of my 't' because I had it written incorrectly on a different set of notes. If I had took the time to think about it, I probably would have corrected it.
 

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