Projectile Motion - given angle, time; need displacement

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves projectile motion, specifically analyzing the displacement of a ball thrown at different angles. The original poster seeks to determine the final displacement in the x-direction when the ball is thrown at a 45-degree angle, given its behavior at a 60-degree angle and a flight time of 2.9 seconds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the initial velocity and time of flight for the projectile at a 45-degree angle based on the known parameters from the 60-degree throw. Participants question the presence of horizontal forces and their implications on the horizontal velocity.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in clarifying the absence of horizontal forces, leading to a consensus on the relationship between horizontal velocity and initial velocity. The original poster expresses understanding of the concepts discussed.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the lack of horizontal acceleration in the projectile motion context, which is crucial for determining the horizontal displacement.

jahrollins
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Homework Statement


A ball is thrown at 60 degrees above x-axis. It remains in the air for 2.9 seconds. What is the final displacement in the x (range) if the ball was thrown with the same initial velocity, but at an angle of 45 degrees above x-axis instead?


Homework Equations


y = (Voy * t) + (1/2 * ay * t^2)
Voy = Vo * sin(theta)
Vox = Vo * cos(theta)
x = 1/2(Vox + Vx)t


The Attempt at a Solution



So plugging into the first equation I get:
y = (Voy * t) + (1/2 * ay * t^2)
0 = (Voy * 2.9) + (1/2 * -9.8 * 2.9^2)
Voy = 14.21

Taking the result into the second equation I get the initial velocity:
Voy = Vo * sin(theta)
14.21 = Vo * sin(60)
Vo = 16.41

Am I on the right track so far? From here I would think I'd take it into the first equation again with the 45 degree angle so:
y = (Voy * t) + (1/2 * ay * t^2)
0 = (16.41sin(45)*t) + (1/2 * -9.8 * t^2)
0=11.60t-4.9t^2
t = 2.37
So I've got the time, and Vox from Vox = Vo * cos(theta) since Vo is the same for both throws.

For the equation
x = 1/2(Vox + Vx)t
(substitute Vox = Vo * cos(theta))
x = 1/2(16.41cos(45) + Vx)2.37

All I'm missing is Vx, I am lost where to go from here.
 
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Is there any horizontal force component?

ehild
 
ehild said:
Is there any horizontal force component?

ehild
No...
 
No force, no acceleration. What does it mean for vx?

ehild
 
Is it Vx = Vo?

Vx = Vo + 1/2*ax*t
Vx = Vo + 1/2*0*t
Vx = Vo
 
Yes, you have got it !

ehild
 
I think I understand now, thanks a bunch. :>
 

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