(projectile motion) calculation problem

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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"
 
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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;

[tex]x = V_{0}\cos (\phi) t[/tex]
 
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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?
 
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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?
 
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Yes...
I think that I have to use some kind of trignometric formula to get the answer in the book?
 
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
 
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:
 
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Wow! thank you for the different approach!