(projectile motion) calculation problem

AI Thread Summary
A projectile motion problem involves a ball thrown from an inclined plane, with calculations focused on finding the length OA and its maximum value. Initial calculations using kinematic equations led to an expression for time and distance, but discrepancies arose when comparing results with the provided answer. Participants discussed the need for trigonometric identities to reconcile differences and derive the correct formula for OA. An alternative approach was suggested, involving the use of axes aligned with the incline and applying kinematics. The conversation highlights the complexity of projectile motion on inclined planes and the importance of precise calculations.
asdf1
Messages
734
Reaction score
0
Question: A ball with a velocity of Vo is thrown from the bottom of an inclined plane (point O) with an angle of \phi. The inclined plane has an angle oftheta . The ball lands on top of the inclined plane on a point A. Find the length of OA and its maximum value.

My calculations:
1. x = V_{0}\cos (\phi) t
2. y=Vo*sin\phit -0.5*gt^2
3. y=xtan\theta

From the above equations, I got t=[2Vo*sin(\phi-\theta)/[gcos\theta]
So OA= xsec\theta
=Vo*cos\phi*sec\theta/(gcos\theta)

But the answer is
OA= Vo^2*[sin(2\phi-\theta)-sin\theta]/[gcos^2(\theta)]

And I don't know how to tell from my calculations what the max value is, and why it's different from the answer...
Can somebody help?

http://img97.imageshack.us/my.php?image=inclinedplanesu8.png"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Change your tags to [ tex ] ... [ /tex ] (without the spaces obviously) :wink:

Click on this equation below to see how it is coded;

x = V_{0}\cos (\phi) t
 
Last edited:
thanks for teaching me latex! ^_^
 
asdf1 said:
1. x = V_{0}\cos (\phi) t
2. y=Vo*sin\phit -0.5*gt^2
3. y=xtan\theta

From the above equations, I got t=[2Vo*sin(\phi-\theta)/[gcos\theta]
How did you arrive at this? Would you mind posting your steps?
 
from 1. and 3. ->
y=V_{0}\cos (\phi) t*tan\theta
then take the above result and plug it into 2. getting:
y=Vo*sin\phit -0.5*gt^2=V_{0}\cos (\phi) t*tan\theta

Rearranging the equation and using the formula
sin2\phi=2sin\phicos\phi to simplfy the equation makes the result for
t=[2Vo*sin(\phi-\theta)/[gcos\theta]
 
asdf1 said:
From the above equations, I got t=[2Vo*sin(\phi-\theta)/[gcos\theta]
So OA= xsec\theta
Up to this point, everything is fine.
asdf1 said:
OA=Vo*cos\phi*sec\theta/(gcos\theta)
You seem to have made an error here. What is the expression for x?
 
Last edited:
Sorry! I mistyped!
It should be
OA= Vo*cos\phi*2Vo*sin(\phi-\theta)*sec\phi/[gcos\phi]
 
asdf1 said:
OA= Vo*cos\phi*2Vo*sin(\phi-\theta)*sec\phi/[gcos\phi]

Do you mean OA= Vo*cos\phi*2Vo*sin(\phi-\theta)*sec\theta/[gcos\theta]?

If yes, then you are on the right track. Compare your answer with the one given in the book. What is the last step you need to take?
 
Last edited:
Yes...
I think that I have to use some kind of trignometric formula to get the answer in the book?
 
  • #10
the ans should come out to be
R=(2u<sq (only u)>sin<sq>(a-b)cos<sq>a)/(gcosb)<sq>

the max value will be when a= 45-b/2

where a = angle of projection + angle of inclination(b)
angle of inclination=b

if u ask i will mail u the proof
 
  • #11
A Better solution

Hello
well i have written a different solution
i am taking axis along the incline and perpendicular to the incline then taking components of g(acceleration due to gravity) along and perpendicular to the incline and then applying kinematics equations
anywayshttp://helpjee.blogspot.com/2006/08/inclined-plane-problem_01.html"
bye
:smile: :smile:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12
Wow! thank you for the different approach!
 
Back
Top