Projectile Motion of a Shot Problem

AI Thread Summary
A projectile is launched from a 115-meter cliff at an initial speed of 65 m/s and a 35-degree angle. The horizontal component of velocity remains constant at 53.2 m/s, while the vertical component calculation involves using kinematic equations. Initial vertical velocity is determined to be 37.3 m/s, and after solving for time using a quadratic equation, the vertical velocity just before impact is found to be approximately 60.36 m/s. The discussion highlights confusion over the signs in the equations, particularly regarding the direction of velocity and acceleration. Ultimately, the correct approach requires recognizing that the vertical velocity component should be negative as the projectile descends.
hanlon
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A projectile is shot from the edge of a cliff 115 above ground level with an initial speed of 65.0 at an angle of 35.0 with the horizontal, as shown in the figure .

At the instant just before the projectile hits point P, determine the horizontal and the vertical components of its velocity.
Enter your answers numerically separated by a comma.
GIANCOLI.ch03.p046.jpg


Homework Equations



basic kinematic equations [a= constant]

The Attempt at a Solution

My attempt was pretty basic, I thought it was correct, and even asked my brother whos a physics tutor for help and he got the same answer, though the MasteringPhysics site which my class is using says its wrong

the horizontal x direction I got the same speed as it is when shot from the start so it doesn't change

65m/s*cos(35o) = 53.2 m/s in the horizontal direction

for the vertical I used the equation

v = vo + at

where vo = 65m/s*sin(35o) = 37.3 m/s
a = 9.8 m/s2
t = 2.4 s

"t" I found in a different part of the question.

so "v" = 60.36 m/s

though the site says its wrong (masteringphysics)

Thanks.

Homework Equations

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use the formula V = (U^2 + 2gh)^1/2
to find the final velocity
 
I don't think I've seen that formula before, where you get it? and U is velocity initial right?

also its still equals 60.38, which I already used as a former answer, does that mean my horizontal answer is wrong or the teacher who posted this question online is wrong?
 
hmm.. It looks like your teacher may have made a mistake then.
what was his answer?

and yes "U" is initial Velocity
 
there is no answer, its a site called mastering physics, he posts questions and we input an answer if its right we get credit if wrong we lose.
 
hanlon said:
there is no answer, its a site called mastering physics, he posts questions and we input an answer if its right we get credit if wrong we lose.

Can you show your calculation of t?
I am using the formula

-115 = 37.3(t) - 0.5*9.8(t)^2.

Solve the quadratic to find t.
 
115 = 0 + (3.73m/s)*t + 4.9t2

since velocity and acceleration are moving in the same direction at this point

then using the quadratic equation

-37.3 (+/-)sqr(37.32 - 4(4.9)(-115))/ 2*4.9

which ended up 2.355102041 and some other number I didn't record.
 
115 = 0 + (3.73m/s)*t + 4.9t^2

The displacement and the acceleration are in the same direction.

But the velocity is in the opposite direction to acceleration. So the equation should be

115 = 0 - (3.73m/s)*t + 4.9t2
 
ah, I got a email back from my teacher

since its going downwards the velocity component is negative. woops
 
Back
Top