Physics Homework: Calculating Motorcycle Jump Distance Without Air Resistance"

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the jump distance of a motorcycle across a river, considering projectile motion without air resistance. The scenario includes specific parameters such as the angle of the ramp, the width of the river, and the height difference between the ramp and the far bank.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessary speed at the ramp for the motorcycle to clear the river and explore the implications of reduced speed on landing position. There are inquiries about the equations governing projectile motion and their relationships to the problem's parameters.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to derive relevant equations and clarify the relationships between displacement, angle, and initial velocity. Some have shared equations related to projectile motion, while others express uncertainty about their applicability.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the professor's initial speed requirement and the consequences of halving that speed. Participants are also questioning the adequacy of their current understanding and the equations available for solving the problem.

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Homework Statement


A physics professor is attempting to jump across a river on a motorcycle. The takeoff ramp was inclined at 53 degrees, the river was 40 m wide, and the far bank was 15 m lower than the top of the ramp. Ignoring air resistance, a) what should his speed have been at the top of the ramp to have just made to the far edge of the bank. If his speed was only half the value found in a), where did he land?



Homework Equations


vx=v0cosa0
vy=vysina0



The Attempt at a Solution



I tried a bunch of methods..all came out wrong:( Help please. I made a drawing for reference..
 

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Can you find an equation of projectile motion which gives the relation between x-displacement, y- displacement, angle of projection and initial velocity?
 
rl.bhat said:
Can you find an equation of projectile motion which gives the relation between x-displacement, y- displacement, angle of projection and initial velocity?

No not really :frown:
 
OK.
y = x[tan(theta)] - g*x^2/2[Vo*cos(theta)]^2
 

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