Projectile motion 2-d kinematics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem from a physics textbook, focusing on the launch of water balloons between two dormitory buildings. The problem involves calculating the initial velocity direction and speed of the balloons, given specific distances and heights while ignoring air resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations for the initial velocity direction and speed of the balloons, with one participant providing detailed work for part A and mentioning an answer for part B. There is also a reflection on the difficulty of verifying answers without direct feedback from instructors.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to verify calculations and share methods, with one participant expressing appreciation for the community's support. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the answers provided, but guidance is offered through shared calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of working on even-numbered problems without access to solutions, highlighting the constraints imposed by their educational environment.

jehan4141
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This is an even problem from Cutnell & Johnson 8 edition. Can anyone verify if it is correct?

In the annual battle of the dorms, students gather on the roofs of Jackson and Walton dorms to launch water balloons at each other with slingshots. The horizontal distance between the buildings is 35.0 m, and the heights of the Jackson and Walton buildings are, respectively, 15.0 m and 22.0 m. Ignore air resistance.

(a) The first balloon launched by the Jackson team hits Walton dorm 2.0 s after launch, striking it halfway between the ground and the roof. Find the direction of the balloon's initial velocity. Give your answer as an angle measured above the horizontal.

(b) A second balloon launched at the same angle hits the edge of Walton's roof. Find the initial speed of this second balloon.


MY WORK FOR PART A

t = 2 seconds
x = 35 meters
y = -4 meters

Vox = x/t = 35/2
Vox = 17.5 m/s
Vox = VocosƟ
17.5 = VocosƟ
Vo = 17.5/cosƟ

Voy = Vo + at

y = Voyt + 0.5at2 = -VosinƟ -4.9t2
-4 = (17.5/cosƟ)sinƟt -4.9t2 <----plug in t = 2
-4 = (17.5)(2)tanƟ - (4.9)(4)
Ɵ = 24.0 degrees

Vo = 17.5/cosƟ
Vo = 17.5/cosƟ = 19.2 m/s

ahh i forgot to do part B...But the answer is 28.9 m/s for part B?
 
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jehan4141 said:
This is an even problem from Cutnell & Johnson 8 edition. Can anyone verify if it is correct?

In the annual battle of the dorms, students gather on the roofs of Jackson and Walton dorms to launch water balloons at each other with slingshots. The horizontal distance between the buildings is 35.0 m, and the heights of the Jackson and Walton buildings are, respectively, 15.0 m and 22.0 m. Ignore air resistance.

(a) The first balloon launched by the Jackson team hits Walton dorm 2.0 s after launch, striking it halfway between the ground and the roof. Find the direction of the balloon's initial velocity. Give your answer as an angle measured above the horizontal.

(b) A second balloon launched at the same angle hits the edge of Walton's roof. Find the initial speed of this second balloon.


MY WORK FOR PART A

t = 2 seconds
x = 35 meters
y = -4 meters

Vox = x/t = 35/2
Vox = 17.5 m/s
Vox = VocosƟ
17.5 = VocosƟ
Vo = 17.5/cosƟ

Voy = Vo + at

y = Voyt + 0.5at2 = -VosinƟ -4.9t2
-4 = (17.5/cosƟ)sinƟt -4.9t2 <----plug in t = 2
-4 = (17.5)(2)tanƟ - (4.9)(4)
Ɵ = 24.0 degrees

Vo = 17.5/cosƟ
Vo = 17.5/cosƟ = 19.2 m/s

ahh i forgot to do part B...But the answer is 28.9 m/s for part B?

Nice method of calculation!
 
WOOHOO! Thank you! I love this site...My teacher refuses to give us the answers for even problems, even right before the quiz! How are we supposed to know if we are doing it right :(
 
jehan4141 said:
WOOHOO! Thank you! I love this site...My teacher refuses to give us the answers for even problems, even right before the quiz! How are we supposed to know if we are doing it right :(

If you think you have the right answer, you are most probably right. If you are not sure whether you are right, you are quite possibly wrong. CONFIDENCE! - backed up by sound preparation.
 

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