Projectile Motion of a Tennis Ball crossing over the net

In summary, the conversation discusses a tennis match and the calculation of the distance between the center of the ball and the top of the net given the ball's initial velocity and launch angle. It is determined that when the ball is served at 23.4 m/s and leaves the racquet horizontally, the distance is 3.60m. However, when the ball is served at a 5.00° angle below the horizontal, the distance is 3.60m but may vary depending on the velocity and launch angle.
  • #1
alexadrienne
2
0

Homework Statement



During a tennis match, a player serves the ball at 23.4 m/s, with the center of the ball leaving the racquet horizontally 2.31 m above the court surface. The net is 12.0 m away and 0.900 m high. When the ball reaches the net, (a) what is the distance between the center of the ball and the top of the net? (b) Suppose that, instead, the ball is served as before but now it leaves the racquet at 5.00° below the horizontal. When the ball reaches the net, what now is the distance between the center of the ball and the top of the net? Enter a positive number if the ball clears the net. If the ball does not clear the net, your answer should be a negative number.


Homework Equations



y-y0=vy0cosx+1/2at^2
x-x0=vx0sinx+1/2at^2



The Attempt at a Solution



x-x0=v0xt
12=(1)(23.4)t
t=.513sec

y-y0=voyt+1/2at^2
y=2.31+1/2(-9.8)(.513^2)
y=3.60m

x-x0=v0xt
x-x0=vox(cosx)t
12=23.4cos(5)t
t=.514sec

y-y0=voyt+1/2at^2
y=v0ysin(5)+1/2at^2
y=2.31
 
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  • #2
y=2.31+1/2(-9.8)(.513^2)
y=3.60m
I get 1.02 for that!
 

1) What is projectile motion and how does it apply to a tennis ball?

Projectile motion refers to the curved path that an object follows when it is thrown or launched into the air with a certain initial velocity. In the case of a tennis ball, it is thrown by a player with a specific force and angle, causing it to move in a parabolic trajectory.

2) How does the height of the tennis ball affect its projectile motion?

The height at which the tennis ball is released will affect the initial velocity and angle at which it travels. The higher the ball is thrown, the longer it will take to reach the ground and the further it will travel horizontally before it lands.

3) What factors affect the distance and speed of the tennis ball as it crosses over the net?

The initial velocity, release angle, and air resistance are the main factors that affect the distance and speed of the tennis ball in projectile motion. Other factors such as wind, humidity, and surface friction can also have an impact on the ball's trajectory.

4) How does gravity influence the projectile motion of a tennis ball?

Gravity is a constant force that pulls the tennis ball towards the ground, causing it to follow a curved path rather than a straight line. As the ball travels through the air, gravity acts on it, decreasing its vertical velocity and causing it to accelerate towards the ground.

5) How can understanding projectile motion of a tennis ball help in the game?

Understanding projectile motion can help players predict the trajectory of the tennis ball and adjust their shots accordingly. It can also help them determine the optimal angle and force to use when hitting the ball in order to achieve the desired distance and speed.

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