Field Goal Projectile Motion Problem: Calculating Angle and Speed for NFL Kicker

  • Thread starter Toranc3
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In summary, the kick must have an initial speed of at least 45m/s to just clear the 10-foot high goal post.
  • #1
Toranc3
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Homework Statement


Kicking a field goal. In U.S. football, after a touchdown the team has the opportunity to earn one more point by kicking the ball over the bar between the goal posts. the bar 10.0 ft above the gound, and the ball is kicked from ground level, 36ft horizontally from the bar. Football regulations are stated in english units, but convert to SI units for this problem. (a) there is a minimum angle above the ground such that if the ball is launched below this angle, it can never clear the bar, no matter how fast it is kicked what is this angle? (B) If the ball is kicked at 45deg above the horizontal, what must its initial speed be if it to just clear the bar? EXpress your answer in m/s and km/h


Homework Equations


y=yo+voy*t+1/2*a*t^(2)
x-xo=vox*t

The Attempt at a Solution



10ft= 3.048m
36ft= 10.9728m

x-xo+vox*t

10.9728m=vocos(θ)*t

y=yo+voy*t+1/2*a*t^(2)

3.048m=vosin(θ)*t -1/2*g*t^(2)

I have 3 unknowns with two equations. I am stuck on this one though. Could somebody give me a hint? Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Toranc3 said:

Homework Statement


Kicking a field goal. In U.S. football, after a touchdown the team has the opportunity to earn one more point by kicking the ball over the bar between the goal posts. the bar 10.0 ft above the gound, and the ball is kicked from ground level, 36ft horizontally from the bar. Football regulations are stated in english units, but convert to SI units for this problem. (a) there is a minimum angle above the ground such that if the ball is launched below this angle, it can never clear the bar, no matter how fast it is kicked what is this angle? (B) If the ball is kicked at 45deg above the horizontal, what must its initial speed be if it to just clear the bar? EXpress your answer in m/s and km/h

Homework Equations


y=yo+voy*t+1/2*a*t^(2)
x-xo=vox*t

The Attempt at a Solution



10ft= 3.048m
36ft= 10.9728m

x-xo+vox*t

10.9728m=vocos(θ)*t

y=yo+voy*t+1/2*a*t^(2)

3.048m=vosin(θ)*t -1/2*g*t^(2)

I have 3 unknowns with two equations. I am stuck on this one though. Could somebody give me a hint? Thanks!
Use:

(1)[itex]x = sin(45)v_{0}t [/itex]

(2)[itex]y = x - \frac{1}{2}gt^2[/itex]

Solve for t in (2) using the values for the bar height (y) and distance (x). Then find v0 with (1).AM
 
  • #3
The line of scrimmage is 36 feet from the bar, but the ball is snapped to a holder positioned behind the line of scrimmage, where the kick is made. This extra distance is usually about 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
 

What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object through the air under the influence of gravity. It is a type of motion that is characterized by a constant acceleration due to the force of gravity acting on the object.

How does projectile motion apply to NFL kickers?

In the context of NFL kickers, projectile motion refers to the path that the kicked football takes as it travels through the air towards the goal post. This path is affected by factors such as the initial velocity, angle of kick, and air resistance.

What factors influence the distance a NFL kicker can kick the ball?

The distance a NFL kicker can kick the ball is influenced by factors such as the initial velocity of the kick, the angle at which the ball is kicked, and the air resistance. Other factors such as the strength and technique of the kicker also play a role.

Why is the angle of the kick important in NFL kicking?

The angle of the kick is important in NFL kicking because it determines the trajectory of the ball. The ideal angle for maximum distance is around 45 degrees, as this allows for the ball to travel the furthest before hitting the ground.

How does air resistance affect the motion of the kicked football?

Air resistance, also known as drag, is a force that acts in the opposite direction to the motion of the football. As the football travels through the air, it experiences air resistance which slows it down and alters its trajectory. This is why NFL kickers must take into account air resistance when determining the angle and force of their kick.

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