Projectile Motion gravity and acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves projectile motion, specifically analyzing the motion of a ball thrown horizontally from a height of 54.5 m and its impact point 61 m away from the building's base. The discussion revolves around calculating time of flight, initial velocity, and velocity components just before impact, under the influence of gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to identify appropriate formulas for calculating time and velocity components. There is mention of visualizing the problem through diagrams, and some participants suggest considering the independence of horizontal and vertical motion.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between horizontal and vertical components of motion, emphasizing the importance of understanding initial conditions. Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem and considering how to approach the calculations without directly providing formulas.

Contextual Notes

Participants express a desire for clarification on which formulas to use and how to approach the problem without receiving direct answers. The original poster seeks help while adhering to homework guidelines that discourage direct solutions.

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Homework Statement



A ball is thrown horizontally from the top of a building 54.5 m high. The ball strikes the ground at a point 61 m from the base of the building.

The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2 (9.8 meters per second squared)

1. Find the time the ball is in motion. (in units of s)
2. Find the initial velocity of the ball (in units of m/s)
3. Find the x component of its velocity just before it strikes the ground. (in units of m/s)
4. Find the y component of its velocity just before it strikes the ground.

HELP! please!


Homework Equations




Delta X = VX T

R = (Vsquared sin (2 x angle)) / g

Delta Y = (1/2) (Vyi + Vyf) (t)

Vyf = Vyi - (g)(t)

Delta Y = (Vyi)(t) - (1/2)(g)(Tsquared)

Vyfsquared = Vyisquared - (2)(g)(Delta Y)



The Attempt at a Solution



If someone could just tell me which formulas to use, that would be great. I know I need to solve for t for #1, and need to solve for Vyi for #2.
 
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First if you were to draw a visual of this problem you would get a triangle that would be easier for you to se ethat you need to find the value of the hypotenuse which is the velocity of the time in the air before it gets 61m from the building. Then you can use that to sole for t in the equation.
 
tatiana said:
First if you were to draw a visual of this problem you would get a triangle that would be easier for you to se ethat you need to find the value of the hypotenuse which is the velocity of the time in the air before it gets 61m from the building. Then you can use that to sole for t in the equation.

I did draw a diagram.

So my hypotenuse is V? And then what formula should I use to solve for t?
 
Giving formulas is not very educational, and is basically doing the work for you. Here are some thinking points.

#1. The ball is thrown horizontally, that is in the +x direction. Since it is thrown horizontally, what is the initial velocity in the vertical direction? What does that tell you about the time it takes the ball to reach the ground, given that the x and y velocities are independent of each other?

#2. Since you know the time from #1, this is a very simple formula. You are given a distance (61 m from the base of the building) and you have calculated the time it takes to hit the ground. You should be able to calculate a velocity from that.

That should get you started, at least.
 

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