Projectile motion, 30 and 60 degrees on a level plain

In summary, the goal is to prove that a shot fired at 60 degrees will travel 3 times higher than a shot fired at 30 degrees, while both shots travel the same distance. The equations used are related to displacement, initial velocity, final velocity, time, and acceleration due to gravity. The attempt at a solution involves analyzing the problem in two dimensions and using the conservation of energy to compare the kinetic energy and potential energy at the peak for both shots. This can be solved by taking the angle into account and using the equations for kinetic energy and potential energy.
  • #1
nooobie
4
0

Homework Statement



prove that two bullets fired at 30 and 60 degrees will travel the same distance, and the 60 degree shot will travel 3 times as high as the 30 degree.

Homework Equations


S(displacement) Vo(initial velocity) Vf(final Velovity) t(time) a(acceleration due to gravity)

S=Vot + .5at^2
S=Vft - .5at^2
S= (Vft - Vot)/2
Vf^2= Vo^2 + 2aS
Vf= Vo +at

The Attempt at a Solution



ive tried numerous ways, but i can't seem to get past point of the final velocity at the peak being zero to solve for time in the last equation...and i can't figure out what to do from there
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The motion is in two directions; the x- and y-directions. At the peak the speed in the y-direction is zero, but there is still speed in the x-direction. You need to analyse this problem in two-dimensions.
 
  • #3
Hi

To prove that the 60° shot will travel 3 times as high as the 30°:

You can use the conservation of energy: Kinetic Engergy at the time of the shot equals the potential energy at the peak.

[tex]E_{kin}=E_{pot}[/tex]

For [tex]E_{kin}[/tex] you have to take the angle into account:
[tex]E_{kin}=\frac{1}{2}*m*v_{0}^{2}*sin(\alpha)^{2}[/tex]

Solve for h (=max height) and compare the values for 30 and 60 degrees.

I hope this helps...
 

1. What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object in a curved path due to the influence of gravity. It occurs when an object is launched into the air at an angle and follows a parabolic path before landing back on the ground.

2. How does the angle affect projectile motion?

The angle at which an object is launched affects its projectile motion by determining the initial velocity and the shape of the parabolic path. At 30 degrees, the object will travel farther horizontally before hitting the ground compared to 60 degrees where it will reach a greater maximum height.

3. What is the range of a projectile at 30 and 60 degrees?

The range of a projectile at 30 degrees is equal to the initial velocity squared multiplied by the sine of twice the angle of launch, divided by the acceleration due to gravity. At 60 degrees, the range is equal to the initial velocity squared multiplied by the sine of the angle of launch, divided by the acceleration due to gravity.

4. How can we calculate the maximum height of a projectile at 30 and 60 degrees?

The maximum height of a projectile at 30 degrees is equal to the initial velocity squared multiplied by the sine squared of the angle of launch, divided by twice the acceleration due to gravity. At 60 degrees, the maximum height is equal to the initial velocity squared multiplied by the sine squared of half the angle of launch, divided by the acceleration due to gravity.

5. What factors affect the trajectory of a projectile?

The trajectory of a projectile is affected by various factors such as the initial velocity, angle of launch, air resistance, and the acceleration due to gravity. Other factors that may influence the trajectory include wind, altitude, and the shape and mass of the object.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
790
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top