Projectile Motion Cannon Angle

In summary, the question asks for the angle at which a cannon should be fired to start an avalanche on a mountain slope. The cannon has a muzzle speed of 1000m/s and the target is 2000m away horizontally and 800m above the cannon. The solution involves considering the motion of the cannon separately in the horizontal and vertical directions, using equations for displacement, velocity, and acceleration. By setting the displacement equations equal to the given distances, a system of two equations can be solved for the angle and time of flight.
  • #1
specwarop
11
0
Okay another projectile motion question. I'm a bit confused by how to work this out.

---
A cannon will a muzzle speed of 1000m/s is used to start an avalanche on a mountain slope. The target is 2000m from the cannon horizontally and 800m above the cannon. At what angle, above the horizontal, should the cannon be fired?
---

I was thinking that i would have to work out the angle to which the cannon should fire if the target was at its vertical level, 2000m away horizontally. Then somehow (i don't know how), using this angle in a further equation, that i don't know of, to include the difference in height?
Can anyone help?
Regards.
 
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  • #2
The trick (as always) is to consider each component of motion separately. you should then have two equations with two unknowns (time and angle). You can substitute out on of the unknowns and find the other.
 
  • #3
You should always solve the projectile problem like this :

Let it be projected at angle 'x' with horizontal. Then at instantaneous time 't' :


Along X- Direction

u=1000cosx
a=0
v=1000cosx
s=1000cosxt

Along Y- Direction

u=1000sinx
a= -g
v=1000sinx-gt
s=1000sinxt-1/2gt2

Your displacement along x-direction will be
1000cosxt
According to question
1000cosxt=2000----------(1)


Your displacement along y-axis will be
1000sinxt-1/2gt2
According to question,
1000sinxt-1/2gt2=800------(2)


Now you can solve as you have two equations( 1 & 2) and two variables x and t.
 

1. What is projectile motion cannon angle?

Projectile motion cannon angle refers to the angle at which a projectile is launched from a cannon or other device. It is the angle between the horizontal ground and the direction of the projectile's initial velocity.

2. How does the cannon angle affect the trajectory of a projectile?

The cannon angle plays a crucial role in determining the trajectory of a projectile. A higher angle will result in a longer flight time and a greater distance traveled, while a lower angle will result in a shorter flight time and a shorter distance traveled. The optimal angle for maximum distance depends on the initial velocity and other factors such as air resistance.

3. What is the relationship between the cannon angle and the range of a projectile?

The range of a projectile is directly related to the cannon angle. As the angle increases, the range also increases. However, there is a maximum range that can be achieved at a specific angle, and beyond that angle, the range will decrease. This is due to the effects of air resistance and gravity on the projectile's trajectory.

4. How does changing the cannon angle affect the height of a projectile's trajectory?

The height of a projectile's trajectory is also affected by the cannon angle. A higher angle will result in a higher maximum height, while a lower angle will result in a lower maximum height. This is because the vertical component of the projectile's initial velocity is determined by the cannon angle.

5. What factors should be considered when choosing the optimal cannon angle for a projectile?

The optimal cannon angle for a projectile depends on various factors such as the initial velocity, air resistance, and the desired range or maximum height. It is essential to consider all of these factors to determine the best angle for the specific projectile and launch conditions. Additionally, factors such as safety, accuracy, and projectile design should also be taken into account.

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