PROJECTILE MOTION - Given values are Horizontal & Verticle distance when time = 4s

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves projectile motion, specifically determining the initial velocity of an object that covers specified vertical and horizontal distances during a particular time interval. The original poster mentions a vertical distance of 20.0 m and a horizontal distance of 25.0 m during the 4th second of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the initial velocity using various kinematic equations but expresses confusion regarding the interpretation of the time interval specified in the problem. Other participants share similar experiences and methods, indicating a collective uncertainty about the problem setup.

Discussion Status

Some participants have identified a potential misunderstanding regarding the timing of the distances covered, suggesting that the distances refer to the interval between the 3rd and 4th seconds. This clarification appears to have prompted further exploration of the calculations and methods used.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted emphasis on the specific time interval for the distances covered, which has led to confusion among participants regarding their calculations and assumptions about the motion of the projectile.

MusePhysick
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Homework Statement


An object fired with a velocity of Vo covers a vertical distance of 20.0m and a horizontal distance of 25.0m in the 4th second of its motion. Determine the following:
a) Its velocity of projection, Vo
(the rest I am not going to worry about cos if i get part a) started then i should be fine i just don't know what I am doing wrong)


Homework Equations


ucosθ = x
usinθ = y
v = u + at2
s = ut + 1/2at2
v2 = u2 + 2as
v = s/t


The Attempt at a Solution



ok so I've tried many a times but i think i have a misconception or not seeing what is happening etc.
i know the answer as it is given which is Vo = 59.8 m/s 65.3o (angle between ground and vector)

so it takes 4 seconds for the projectile to be displaced horizontally by 25 m
so by v=s/t
v=25/4
v=6.25
which v is also known as x
so i have x=6.25 m/s

the vertical velocity i found by many ways or tried to but here's one way
s=ut + 1/2at2
s = 20
a = -9.8
t = 4
20 = 4u + 1/2.(9.8).42
98.4 = 4u
u = 24.6 m/s
and in this case u = y
so y=24.6

by pythagoras
Vo2 = y2 + x2
Vo2 = 24.62 + 6.252
Vo = 25.2815
clearly not the answer but i proceeded to find the angle
y = usinθ
θ = 14.255
angle between ground and vector = 90 - 14.255
angle = 75.745 degrees
which is clearly not the case

if you see where I've gone wrong please do tell :)
ive tried many many wasy of getting the projected velocity and nothing seemed to work, I've tried 4 times and that takes a long time
 
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sorry i used all caps for the topic, diddnt read the rules properly till it was too late, i do not wish to offend anyone soz
 


I don't know, but I did the exact same thing as you.
 


me too. there's seems to be nothing wrong with your method. i can't think of another way of doing it
 


yeah i found out what was wrong
it says in the 4th second meaning between t=3 and t=4 so it takes 1 second for the ball to reach 20m high and 25m horizontally haha damn english, ill post the answers soon
 


1. Homework Statement
An object fired with a velocity of Vo covers a vertical distance of 20.0m and a horizontal distance of 25.0m in the 4th second of its motion.(Meaning second 3 to second 4) Determine the following:
a) Its velocity of projection, Vo
(the rest I am not going to worry about cos if i get part a) started then i should be fine i just don't know what I am doing wrong)

Homework Equations


ucosθ = x
usinθ = y
v = u + at
s = ut + 1/2at2
v2 = u2 + 2as
v = s/t


3. The Solution

Vertical Velocity

s = ut + 1/2at2

when t=3
s1 = 3u + ½ X (-9.8) X 32

when t=4
s2 = 4u + ½ X (-9.8) X 42

s2 – s1 = 20m

s2 – s1 = (4u + ½ X (-9.8) X 42) – (3u + ½ X (-9.8) X 32)

20 = 4u – 78.4 – 3u + 44.1
20 = u – 34.3
u = 54.3 m/s
let u = y
y = 54.3 m/s

Horizontal Velocity

v = s/t
v = 25/1
v = 25 m/s
let v =x
x = 25 m/s

Vo

Vo2 = y2 + x2
Vo2 = 54.32 + 252
Vo = 59.779 m/s

tanθ = 54.3/25
θ= 65.278o

Therefore
Vo = 59.779 m/s 65.278o (angle of elevation)
 

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