Projectile motion (am I on drugs?)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem involving constant acceleration. The original poster expresses frustration over their calculations related to the initial velocity and the trajectory of a projectile, specifically questioning the appearance of a negative value under the radical in their solution attempt.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations involving the horizontal and vertical components of motion, questioning the values derived and the setup of the equations. There is a focus on the interpretation of the results and the conditions leading to a negative value under the radical.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the calculations, with participants questioning specific values and interpretations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculations, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a significant amount of time spent on the problem and expresses a sense of confusion, suggesting that there may be underlying assumptions or errors in their setup that are yet to be clarified.

Saladsamurai
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[SOLVED] Projectile motion (am I on drugs?)

Homework Statement


I can't believe how much time I have spent on this.
Picture4-1.png



Homework Equations


Constant acceleration



The Attempt at a Solution


Here is the data I am using to solve for
V_a
x_0=0,
x_f=30,
y_0=7,
y_f=10,
a_y=-g=-32.2,
V_{0y}=V_a\sin30,
V_{0x}=V_a\cos30

From x direction:
\Delta X=V_{0x}t\Rightarrow t=\frac{30}{V_a\cos30}


From y direction:
\Delta Y=V_{oy}+.5a_yt^2
\Rightarrow 3= V_a\sin30*(\frac{30}{V_a\cos30})-16.1[\frac{30}{V_a\cos30}]^2

\Rightarrow 3=30\tan30-16.1*(\frac{40}{V_a})^2

Which gets me a negative under the radical!
 
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seriously I am about to lose it. i have been over this like ten times!
 
Where's the negative under the radical? 40 and V_a are both positive, right? ...
 
How'd you get that "40" under the radical, anyway?? I get 34.64 ...
 
Oh wow. I better look into that drugs thing. The solution is 36.7 but I am getting 42.2. But then again, I'm on drugs. So let me check again.

Thanks B.
 
Yeah, your right Bells (mind if I call you Bells?). I'm cooked this semester. Thanks for the help.

Casey
 
Happens to the best of us ... keep at it.
 

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