Projectile Motion Help: Find Minimum Angle for Target Projection

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The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum angle required for a projectile to hit a target 0.8 meters high, projected at an initial speed of 4 m/s. The initial calculations suggest a time of flight of approximately 0.41 seconds, leading to a distance of 1.63 meters. However, there is uncertainty about whether this time represents the entire flight duration or just the ascent to maximum height. Participants recommend setting up separate equations for vertical and horizontal motions and eliminating time to solve for the unknown distance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly analyzing the projectile's trajectory to determine the accurate launch angle.
zebra1707
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Projectile motion - urgent help needed

Homework Statement



Target is projected at an an angle to the horizontal, initial speed 4 m/s, unknown angle and unknown distance to the target. Height of the target is 0.8m.

Need to find the minimum angle.


Homework Equations



v= u+at
v = delta s/delta t
sin theta ?

The Attempt at a Solution



0 = 4 + (-9.8)t
9.8t =4/9.8
t = 0.408 (0.41) s (i think that this is wrong as it may be the time for the "entire" flight of the projectile.

v = delta s/delta t
v delta t = delta s
4 x 0.41

Delta s = 1.63

sin-1 = 0.8/1.63

angle = 30 degrees

Can the gurus please check this because I think that I have the entire flight of the projectile - not the max height where it will hit the target.

Cheers and thanks.
 
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You should try setting up equations for both vertical and horizontal motions. Then you should have an unknown "d" for distance in the equations. Join x-y by cancelling the parameter "time t". Consider d as a real root and you are done!
 
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