Projectile motion off a raised surface

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around projectile motion, specifically analyzing the behavior of a projectile launched from a raised surface at an angle. The original poster explores the effects of launching a projectile at an incline compared to a straight horizontal launch.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions whether the acceleration in the x direction changes when launching at an angle versus horizontally. They express uncertainty about the implications of the projectile's parabolic trajectory on x-axis acceleration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights regarding the constancy of x-axis acceleration, suggesting that it remains zero unless influenced by an external force. The conversation reflects a mix of understanding and confusion about the underlying principles of projectile motion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references specific known values and conditions for the projectile's launch, including angles and initial velocities, while questioning the impact of these factors on acceleration. There is an acknowledgment of gravity's role in affecting only the y component of motion.

KarlBu
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1. Easy solution that I'm pretty sure I talked myself out of.
Using a spring loaded shooter, first shoot it off a table and calculate data and then move to another table of a different height and shoot with an incline into a sandbox. Must hit within 10cm of line drawn in the sand.
known info - y(f) = 1.62 m from center of ball to second platform, θ = 27 °
f(g) = 9.8 m/s/s, using same shooter described in 2

Homework Equations


information from straight shot from a table at .86m

Initial Final
x₀= 0 x = 2.925 m
y₀ = 0 y = .86 m
v₀ = 6.98 m/s v = 6.98 m/s
v₀ = 0 v = 4.11 m/s
t₀ = 0 t = .419 s
a = 0
a = 9.8 m/s/s

The Attempt at a Solution



The only thing i need to know is if acceleration in the x direction would change (no other different factors) when changing from shooting in a straight line versus shooting up in the air at an angle. I know the different velocity equations (Vsinθ) so no problem their. I do not think it does change as using same spring but, I started to question myself when thinking about the parabolic shape of the projectile motion along the x-axis when shot with a 27 degree up angle.
 
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Assuming a standard coordinate system, the x component of the velocity still changes at a constant rate, meaning the x acceleration remains constant.
 
still not quite grasping concept

it is a standard coordinate system. constant velocity (6.98 m/s) with 0 acceleration (in the x direction) when shooting straight. When shooting up 27 degrees would that cause a change in acceleration (from a=0 shooting straight) to appear in the x component due to angle versus x direction? If so how would i go about solving for it? (i would assume something like Vcos(θ)?? if acceleration is some other constant than 0.)
known info - y(f) = 1.62 m from center of ball (at release point) to ground, θ = 27 ° up
f(g) = (m)9.8 m/s/s, using same shooter described in 2, information from shooting straight listed above.
 
Solved. Unless another force acting upon it (ie rocket booster) acceleration along the x component will be 0 regardless of angle. The only force acting upon it will be gravity which only affects the y component.
 

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