Projectile motion maximum range

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conditions required for a projectile to achieve maximum range when launched from level ground. It is established that the change in vertical position (delta dy) must be zero for maximum range, as this implies the projectile is launched and lands at the same height. Participants clarify that while the horizontal velocity (vx) should be maximized, the vertical velocity (vy) does not need to be zero. The optimal launch angle for maximum range is 45 degrees, although the exact angle is not specified in the problem.

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  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Knowledge of vector components in physics
  • Basic trigonometry for angle calculations
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Willian93
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Homework Statement


a projectile is launched from level ground at some angle to the horinzontal. Which of the following must be zero for a projectile to achieve maximum range?

vx, vy, delta dx, delta dy or a


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


i thought to achieve maximum range, the vx component has to be really large, maybe vy is zero. But the answer was delta dy, not sure how it works
 
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Could you elaborate what the notation values are?

I'm familiar with the equations, but not your notation.

Jared
 
I'm assuming that since you do not have an angle, the problem is going on the basis that as you decrease your delta y, delta x increases. Think like this. Maximum range is always at 45 degrees, however since we don't know if the projectile was launched at 45 degrees, we must simply assume that the if delta y gets lower (thus a lower angle) the range will increase.
 

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