Pre-AP Physics Help: Solving Projectile Motion Problem

  • Thread starter TriumphDog1
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Physics
In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a projectile being shot from the edge of a cliff at a certain angle and initial speed. The question asks for the time taken for the projectile to hit the ground, the range of the projectile, the horizontal and vertical components of its velocity at the instant before hitting the ground, the magnitude of its velocity, and the angle made by its velocity vector with the horizontal. The conversation covers various equations and methods to find the answers, including splitting the velocity into horizontal and vertical components, using equations of motion, and applying the Pythagorean theorem. The final answers are 16.64 seconds for the time taken, 1.66 km for the range, -
  • #1
TriumphDog1
23
0
i need help with this problem:

A projectile is shot from the edge of a cliff h = 105 m above ground level with an initial speed of v0 = 125 m/s at an angle of 37.0° with the horizontal, as shown in Fig. 3-39.
3_39alt.gif

Figure 3-39.

(a) Determine the time taken by the projectile to hit point P at ground level.
____ s
(b) Determine the range X of the projectile as measured from the base of the cliff.
____ km
(c) At the instant just before the projectile hits point P, find the horizontal and the vertical components of its velocity (take up and to the right as positive directions).
____ m/s (horizontal component)
____ m/s (vertical component)
(d) What is the the magnitude of the velocity?
____ m/s
(e) What is the angle made by the velocity vector with the horizontal?
____ ° (below the horizontal)


I think if somebody could get it started, maybe just get one of the answers, i could figure out the rest, i just can't figure out how to get it started.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
List out the data you've been given.

What equations can you use for these kinds of problems ?

Which of these equations relates time (part a) to other quantities in the given data ?

What do you know about resolution of vectors along different directions ?
 
  • #3
k first you must set the equation into horizontal and vertical components then work from there. Then find the vertical and horizontal velocity.
 
  • #4
cdhotfire has the golden tip. Split the vector into Vx and Vy and then look at how these change during the fall.
 
  • #5
yup yup, but i should have said first to find x and y initial velocity, then seperate. :smile:
 
  • #6
so, in other words,
[tex]V_{y} = 125sin(37) \approx 75.23[/tex]
[tex]V_{x} = 125tan(37) \approx 94.19[/tex]

but i don't know what to do with that, and that's only till it gets back down level with the cliff, how would i get the rest?

another question, if something is at constant speed is acceleration 0 or 1?
 
Last edited:
  • #7
Use the equations of motion.
 
  • #8
here's what I've gotten:
[tex]V_{x} \approx 99.83[/tex]
[tex]v_{y} \approx 75.23[/tex]
used [tex]V_{y}[/tex] to get time:
[tex]V_{f} = V_{i} + at[/tex]
[tex]0 = 75.23 + (-9.8)t[/tex]
[tex]t = 7.68[/tex]
double it to get the real time
[tex]t=15.35[/tex]
now, to get the distance:
[tex]vt = d[/tex]
[tex]99.83(15.35) \approx 1532.39[/tex]
ok so far i got everything i need for until the cannonball comes back level with the cliff
now, dropping below the top of the cliff:
vertical component:
[tex]V_{f}^{2} = V_{i}^{2} + 2ad[/tex]
[tex]V_{f}^{2} = -75.23^{2} + 2(9.8)(105) \approx 7717.55[/tex]
[tex]V_{f} \approx -87.85[/tex]
thats the answer for second part of (c)
first part of (c) would be 99.83 since the horizontal velocity is constant.
now to get the time:
[tex]V_{f} = V_{i} + at[/tex]
[tex]87.85 = 75.23 + 9.8t[/tex]
[tex]t = 1.29[/tex]
so the total time would be
[tex]t = 1.29 + 15.35 = 16.64[/tex]
now, to get the distance
[tex]vt = d[/tex]
[tex]d = 99.83(1.29) \approx 128.78[/tex]
total distance:
[tex]1532.39 + 128.78 = 1661.71[/tex]
but its got to be in km so
[tex]1661.71/1000 = 1.66[/tex]
now, to get (d) using pythagorean theorum:
[tex]-87.85^{2}+99.83^{2} \approx 17683.65[/tex]
[tex]\sqrt{17683.65} \approx 132.98[/tex]
now, to get (e):
[tex]arcsin(\frac{-87.85}{132.98}) \approx -41.35[/tex]

completed.
 
Last edited:
  • #9
Here's an easier way to find the time:

First, find the time for the ball to reach the top of its projectile (which you have). Next, instead of doubling it, find the total time for it to touch the ground (distance = vertical distance it traveled to get to the top of its projectile + height of the cliff) using d=V(initial)squated + 1/2 at(squared)
initial velocity is zero

To find the horiz distance, remember that the horiz speed is constant
 
  • #10
Sorry, gave you the wrong formula.
d=Vt + 1/2at(squared)
 
  • #11
tried that and still came out with same distance, i think my [tex]V_{x}[/tex] is wrong, but i don't know what else it could be.
 
  • #12
found my mistake, was supposed to use cos instead of tan for [tex]V_{x}[/tex] now I've got everything right, thanks a lot to everybody for all the help
ill fix my post above too.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
np man, for those problems just place them in diff components all youll be alright, for the rest we all make mistakes so gl with that. :smile:
 
  • #14
^ bump

I got a question about part c

I was trying to get the vertical components of this velocity
by using this formula


[tex](V_2)^2 = (V_1)^2 + 2a \Delta d

= (105 Sin 37) + 2(-9.8m/s^2)(-125m) [/tex]

[tex] V_2 =\sqrt{2513.190577 m^2}
=50.13173224 m [/tex]

but than the right answer is
-79.9 m/s
using a different kinematic formula (a = change in velocity/ change in time)
 
  • #15
uh, can anybody help me there above?
sorry for bumping it again
 

FAQ: Pre-AP Physics Help: Solving Projectile Motion Problem

1. What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object that is launched or thrown into the air and moves under the force of gravity. This type of motion is often seen in objects like projectiles or projectiles fired from guns.

2. How do I solve projectile motion problems?

To solve a projectile motion problem, you need to break down the motion into its horizontal and vertical components. Then, use the equations of motion and the principles of conservation of energy and momentum to solve for the unknown variables.

3. What is the role of gravity in projectile motion?

Gravity is the main force that affects the motion of a projectile. It causes the object to accelerate downward, resulting in a curved path. The acceleration due to gravity is constant and equals 9.8 m/s^2.

4. How do initial velocity and angle affect projectile motion?

The initial velocity and angle of launch determine the initial velocity components of a projectile. These components affect the range, height, and time of flight of the projectile. A higher initial velocity or a steeper angle of launch will result in a longer range and a higher peak height.

5. What are some real-life applications of projectile motion?

Projectile motion has many real-life applications, such as sports like football, baseball, and golf. It is also used in military and defense systems, such as missiles and artillery. Additionally, it is used in space exploration to launch rockets and satellites into orbit.

Similar threads

Back
Top