Projectile motion long jumper help

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a long jumper's projectile motion, specifically calculating the time of flight given a horizontal distance and speed. The jumper's horizontal speed is provided, but the angle of the jump is not known, complicating the calculation of vertical motion and maximum height.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between horizontal and vertical components of motion, questioning whether horizontal speed can be equated to initial velocity without the jump angle. There are attempts to derive the angle using given equations, but uncertainty remains about the assumptions made regarding the jump's trajectory.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the equations of motion and the nature of projectile motion, while others express confusion about how to proceed without knowing the jump angle. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the use of horizontal distance and speed to find time and height, with no clear consensus on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of information regarding the jump angle and express concern about making assumptions that could lead to incorrect conclusions. The problem is framed within the constraints of a homework assignment, where attempts are limited.

Amel
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Homework Statement



An Olympic long jumper is capable of jumping 7.7m. Assuming his horizontal speed is 8.8m/s as he leaves the ground, how long is he in the air? Assume that he lands standing upright--that is, the same way he left the ground.



Homework Equations



Y = xtan(theta)0 - ((g)/2V02cos2(theta)0)X2

Vx0 = V0cos(theta)t

And other that I attempted at using...


The Attempt at a Solution



Ok so I have tried several things but, I don't have the angle at which he jumps to figure out the time, and you only get the initial velocity for the horizontal direction. I was going to use

Vx0 = V0cos(theta)t

to solve for Cos(theta) and figure out my angle but I don't even Have V, only Vx so am I suposed to assume they are the same?

If someone can point me in the right direction, this is the only problem I couldn't figure out earlier today.
 
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Also I can't remeber exactly all the work I did today my work is kind of unorganized and its all over the place but I came to the conclusion that t was 1.11 but that was wrong.
 
Vx0 = V0cos(theta)t

are you sure of this?, I don't think there's a "t" in that equation
 
Oh hold up I mixed up two equation when writing this they were next to each other on my paper.

I got Vx0=V0cos(theta)

and X = V0cos(theta)t

my bad.
 
The only acceleration that the long jumper is subject to is the acceleration due to gravity then no acceleration acts to oppose the long jumpers horizontal motion. Therefore his horizontal velocity remains constant. This problem simply breaks down to d/v=t. 7.7m/(8.8m/s)=.875s
 
Wow so simple, I didn't even think about it like that I was trying to do it like the other projectile motion problems I did today. Thank you.
 
Alright quick question... Is V the same as Vx0 because there is acceleration in the y direction so there is a vetical velocity component right? Because I am trying to now figure out how height he goes.

So I figure I use Y= V0sin(theta)t- (1/2)gt2 but I don't have an angle. Which I thoguth I could figure out with X = V0cos(theta)t but I don't know V I only know Vx.
 
no! that'll be true only if his motion was a straight one [as running]. does 7.7 m stands for the height y or the horizontal distance x? if the later, it'll be direct. use the last two equations you’ve stated in your later post to find t, that is:


Vx0=V0cos(theta)

and

X = [V0cos(theta)]t
 
7.7m is the distance he jumps in the X direction.
 
  • #10
great, what's t value?
 
  • #11
The time the way he gave me was correct (we input our answers online, and it accepted it as correct) So I know the time, but how do I get the height without having an angle he jumps at, and I don't know how to get the angle without V since I only have Vx
 
  • #12
you have x,Vo and t, use the 2nd eq. to get the angle
 
  • #13
The jumper will reach his maximum height at t/2. For a hint. If you need more help let me know.
 
  • #14
You only have V[0][x] not V[0]
 
  • #15
So in this problem is V = Vx? If that's so then

X = [V0cos(theta)]t

Then the I would divide by t and V0 right? which gives me .9943 = cos(theta) so then inverse cos of .9943 would give me my angle? which I got to be 6.11 which doesent seem right, but I then used that and the Y I got was incorrect.

ok just saw the post that says you got Vx not V and then how do I find the angle without V?
 
  • #16
I have two attempts left on the problem and I don't know how to find the angle. So I can't guess anymore, need some hints. I mean I know if you want to maximize your X you would jump at a angle of 45 but not sure if you can assume that here and don't want to waste my attempt trying it.
 
  • #17
Ok on my last attempt, someone please help out before I screw it up. How can you find the angle if you don't know V0?
 
  • #18
Damn used up my last attempt and wasn't able to get the maximum height.
 
  • #19
type the eq. of Vy!
 
  • #20
The projectile equation is
Y = xtan(θ) - (g)x^2/2(V0^2cos^2(θ)
Τhe net displacement is zero. Hence
xtan(θ) = (g)x^2/2(V0^2cos^2(θ) or
tan(θ) - (g)x/2(V0^2cos^2(θ) or
tan(θ) = gx/2(vx)^2
Substitute the values and find θ.
 
Last edited:
  • #21
OR, using the 2nd eq. →Vo=Vxo/cos(theta)
you can substitute this into the Vy eq. which is
Vy= Vo sin(theta) – gt
you'll get
Vy= Vxo tan(theta) – gt
now you can calculate the value of theta, by lodging the value of (t/2) where at the maximum height the value of Vy is zero,


you should never give up hope Amel!:-p

Amel means hope, right?
 
Last edited:

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