Projectile Motion Help, Please?

In summary, to make the basket from a horizontal distance of 12.0 m with an accuracy of +or- 0.22 m, the range of initial speeds allowed is between 11.44 m/s and 11.63 m/s. This can be achieved by shooting the ball at a 35* angle with a horizontal speed of 11.1 m/s or 10.7 m/s.
  • #1
bonita
1
0
Well, I'm not sure how to end this problem. Is it correct how I approached it?

A basketball leaves a player's hands at a height of 2.1 m above the floor. The basket is 2.6 m above the floor. The player likes to shoot the ball at a 35* (degree) angle. If the shot is made from a horizontal distance of 12.0 m and must be accurate to +or- 0.22 m (horizontally), what is the range of initial speeds allowed to make the basket?

vx = v1cos35*
vy = v1sin35*

t = dx/v1cos35*
dx = 12.0 m
d = 0.5 m
d = v1t + 1/2gt^2

0.5 m = v1sin35* x (12.0m/v1cos35*) + 1/2(-9.8m/s^2)(12.0m/v1cos35*)^2
All cleaned up all that work and got v1 = 11 m/s.

dx = 12.0m + 0.22m = 12.22 m
dx = 12.0m - 0.22m = 11.78 m

t = dx/vx
t = 12.0m/11m/s = 1.1 seconds

dx = vxt
12.22m = vx(1.1seconds)
vx = 11.1 m/s
11.78m = vx(1.1seconds)
vx = 10.7 m/s

vx = v1cos35*
11.1 m/s = v1cos35* = 14 m/s
10.7 m/s = v1cos35* = 13 m/s

range of initial speeds = 13-14 m/s
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Originally posted by bonita
vx = v1cos35*
vy = v1sin35*

t = dx/v1cos35*
dx = 12.0 m
d = 0.5 m
d = v1t + 1/2gt^2
I think the last one should read d =vyt + 1/2gt^2. It's OK since you used that in the next line:
0.5 m = v1sin35* x (12.0m/v1cos35*) + 1/2(-9.8m/s^2)(12.0m/v1cos35*)^2
All cleaned up all that work and got v1 = 11 m/s.
OK. I get v1 = 11.54 m/s.

Why not plug in dx = 11.78m resp. dx = 12.22m into the same formula?
This yields
v1(min) = 11.44 m/s
v1(max) = 11.63 m/s
 
  • #3


Great job on approaching this problem! Your calculations and understanding of projectile motion seem to be correct. The range of initial speeds allowed is indeed between 13-14 m/s. Keep up the good work!
 

1. What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object that is thrown or launched into the air, following a curved path due to the influence of gravity. It is a type of motion that combines both horizontal and vertical motion.

2. What are the factors that affect projectile motion?

The factors that affect projectile motion are the initial velocity, angle of launch, air resistance, and the force of gravity.

3. How do you calculate the range of a projectile?

To calculate the range of a projectile, you can use the formula R = (v₀²sin2θ)/g, where R is the range, v₀ is the initial velocity, θ is the angle of launch, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

4. How does air resistance affect projectile motion?

Air resistance can affect projectile motion by slowing down the object and changing its trajectory. This is because air resistance creates a force that opposes the motion of the object.

5. What is the maximum height reached by a projectile?

The maximum height reached by a projectile is when the vertical component of the initial velocity is equal to zero. This can be calculated using the formula h = (v₀²sin²θ)/2g, where h is the maximum height, v₀ is the initial velocity, θ is the angle of launch, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

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