(projectile motion) calculation problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem involving a ball thrown from the bottom of an inclined plane. The participants explore the relationship between the angles of projection and inclination, as well as the equations governing the ball's trajectory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various equations for the ball's motion, including its horizontal and vertical components. There are inquiries about the derivation of specific time expressions and the calculation of the distance OA. Some participants question the accuracy of the derived expressions and suggest using trigonometric identities to reconcile differences with the expected answer.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing alternative approaches and clarifying steps in their calculations. There is a recognition of potential errors in earlier calculations, and some participants are exploring different methods to arrive at the correct expression for OA. No consensus has been reached yet, but several productive lines of reasoning are being pursued.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is an emphasis on understanding the underlying principles rather than simply arriving at a solution.

asdf1
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Question: A ball with a velocity of Vo is thrown from the bottom of an inclined plane (point O) with an angle of [tex]\phi[/tex]. The inclined plane has an angle of[tex]theta[/tex] . 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. [tex]x = V_{0}\cos (\phi) t[/tex]
2. y=Vo*sin[tex]\phi[/tex]t -0.5*g[tex]t^2[/tex]
3. y=xtan[tex]\theta[/tex]

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

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

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:
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Change your tags to [ tex ] ... [ /tex ] (without the spaces obviously) :wink:

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

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

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

Rearranging the equation and using the formula
sin2[tex]\phi[/tex]=2sin[tex]\phi[/tex]cos[tex]\phi[/tex] to simplfy the equation makes the result for
t=[2Vo*sin[tex](\phi-\theta)[/tex]/[gcos[tex]\theta[/tex]]
 
asdf1 said:
From the above equations, I got t=[2Vo*sin[tex](\phi-\theta)[/tex]/[gcos[tex]\theta[/tex]]
So OA= xsec[tex]\theta[/tex]
Up to this point, everything is fine.
asdf1 said:
OA=Vo*cos[tex]\phi[/tex]*sec[tex]\theta[/tex]/(gcos[tex]\theta[/tex])
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[tex]\phi[/tex]*2Vo*sin[tex](\phi-\theta)[/tex]*sec[tex]\phi[/tex]/[gcos[tex]\phi[/tex]]
 
asdf1 said:
OA= Vo*cos[tex]\phi[/tex]*2Vo*sin[tex](\phi-\theta)[/tex]*sec[tex]\phi[/tex]/[gcos[tex]\phi[/tex]]

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

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!
 

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