Projectile Motion: Calculating Speed, Angle, and Distance

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving projectile motion problems involving a diver, a basketball player, and a baseball. The diver's speed and angle are questioned based on a 5.7 m distance covered in 0.82 seconds, with the calculation of average speed being critiqued for not accounting for acceleration. The basketball player's shot angle and distance from the basket are also analyzed, while the baseball scenario involves calculating the outfielder's initial distance from the batter. There is a focus on clarifying concepts of average speed versus total displacement in projectile motion. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of understanding the physics principles behind these calculations.
actingjsg
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
i have a few questions that i need help with. thanks! =)


A diver dives from the edge of a swimming pool and lands in the pool 5.7 m away 0.82 seconds later. With what speed did the diver dive? at what angle? assume the diver lands at the same height he started from.


A 2m tall basketball player shoots a ball at an angle of 51 degrees from horizontal. He released the ball even with the top of his head. It passes through the rim (3.05 m above the floor) 1.1 seconds later. How far was the player from the basket?

A baseball is hit at 30 m/s at an angle of 53 degrees. At the instand the ball was hit, an outfielder runs towards the infield at a constant velocity of 4.0 m/s and catches the ball at the same height from which it was hit. How far was the outfielder initially from the batter?


Can someone explain how to do this/what the answer would be?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
MooMansun said:
Looks like homework. :)
1. speed= Distance / time.
5.7 m / 0.82 seconds = 6.951219512195121951219512195122 m/sec.
As for the rest I think this should help...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trajectory_of_a_projectile

Thats actually incorrect. From looking at your other thread, your understanding of physics isn't really one which gives you a position to be helping people..:rolleyes: :frown:
 
actingjsg - Can you tell us what you've tried already?

Edit: Oh, wait. I already said that. I take it you posted this elsewhere as well, and it was moved here? Well, now I feel like a doofus. Please pick one of the threads and let us know where you are.
 
Average speed= Distance / time is incorrect?
 
It is correct, but it's not particularly helpful when the object is accelerating.
 
Oh, right. I see your problem.

I'll try to be more specific if replying to someone, sorry.
 
MooMansun said:
Average speed= Distance / time is incorrect?
The number given is not even the total distance traversed; it is the total displacement.
 
Back
Top