Projectile Motion (checking my work, one question)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves projectile motion, specifically analyzing the trajectory of a ski jumper who takes off horizontally and lands on an inclined hill. The original poster attempts to calculate the time of flight and distance traveled, while also seeking clarification on the velocity component along the incline upon landing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their calculations for time and distance, using trigonometric functions and kinematic equations. They express uncertainty regarding the component of velocity along the incline and question the applicability of the Pythagorean theorem in this context.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide feedback on the calculations, suggesting that the flight time and distance may not simply be doubled due to the incline. Others recommend using SUVAT equations to find the final vertical velocity and combining it with the horizontal velocity to determine the landing velocity along the hill. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify concepts without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

The problem is constrained by the requirement to use a non-standard coordinate system and the need to account for the incline in calculations. The original poster's understanding of the question evolves through the discussion.

drummerscott
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A ski jumper starts with a horizontal take off velocity of Vo=20.0m/s and lands on a hill inclined at 30 degrees. (Note says to use a coordinate system that is not horizontal and vertical, so I rotated the coordinate system to make the ski jumper "take off" at Vo at the angle of 30 degrees. Thus x is "down" the hill and y is perpendicular)

Find: Time, distance

Here is what I have done:
(given) Ax=0 Ay=gravity Vo=20.0 theta=30

Voy=Vosin(theta)
Voy=20sin(30)
Voy=10

VFY=Voy+Ayt (solved for t)
t=(VFY-Voy)/AY
t=(0-10.0)/-9.81
t=1.02s <---Since this is only at the top of the parabola I multiplied by 2 and got 2.04s (when the skier lands)


Distance
x=xo+Voxt +1/2at2
x=0+Voxt+0
x=17.3(2.04) <-----Vox=20cos(theta)
x=35.3m

The last question is: What is the component of the ski jumpers velocity along the inclined landing hill when he lands?

The relationship between the two velocities would be the Pythagorean theorem (I think) but I'm not sure what I'm actually trying to find here.

Thanks
 
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For the first part, your working looks ok. However, just a note - if he lands on an incline, the downward section of the flight will be shorter than the upward section surely? So perhaps it isn't just doubling the halfway time. This would also apply to the distance as the incline would reduce the horizontal distance travelled. I'm not sure if you need to worry about this though.

So far as the last part goes, you can't use Pythagoras Theorem as the horizontal motion is separate from the vertical.

You need to use the SUVAT equations of motion. Once you know the flight time from the first section, you can use this with initial vertical velocity from peak of jump (0) and acceleration (gravity). Plug those into one of the SUVAT equations and you'll get the final velocity for the vertical component.

You then combine your final horizontal velocity (assuming no air resistance = 20m/s) with the final vertical velocity to get the landing velocity along the hill.
 
Thanks for the help, I ended up re-working the first part with a friend and found out a more precise answer. Also, thanks for clarifying the last part, I simply did not understand the question and your explanation, well, explained it :)
 
Happy to help.
 

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