Projectile Motion Problem: Calculating Time of Flight and Distance Traveled"

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem involving a projectile fired at a 20-degree angle with an initial velocity of 15 m/s. The original poster seeks to determine the total time of flight, vertical distance, and horizontal distance traveled by the projectile.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply kinematic equations to calculate vertical and horizontal distances as well as time of flight. Some participants question the correctness of these calculations and suggest using standard equations for projectile motion.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the application of projectile motion equations. While some guidance has been offered regarding the use of standard equations, there appears to be a lack of clarity for the original poster on how to implement these equations effectively.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that they have not been taught the standard equations for projectile motion, which may contribute to their uncertainty in solving the problem. There is also a tone of concern regarding the appropriateness of the forum for their question.

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Before you get all worked up, I am just going to let you know that this isn't homework. Here is my problem : A projectile is fired at a 20 degree angle with a velocity of 15 m/s. What is the total time of flight? What is the distance of its height? How far did it travel in the horizontal direction?

Ok, no to solve this i used Vf^2=Vi^2-2ad, (this is on the trip up) where Vf = 0, Vi = 15, and a= 9.8, to give me the vertical distance of 11.48m. To find the horizontal distance, i used 15cos20 as the intial velocity and plugged it into the same equation to get a hor. distance of 10.13m. Then, to find total time i used a= (Vf-Vi)/t, where on the trip up a=9.8, Vf =0, and Vi = 15 to get a time of 1.53 sec, on the way down i used a=9.8, Vf=15, and Vi = 0 in the same equation to get the same exact time, which combine gave me a total of 3.06s...so all of my answers are as follows:
Dv=11.48m, Dh=10.13m, Ttotal=3.06s
If anyone could confirm or correct my process id be greatly appreciated. Also I am new so if this is indeed the wrong board i would gladly be redirected:smile: Thanks in advance
 
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Your answers don't seem correct.

Use the 'standard' equations for projectile motion:

v_{x}(t) = v_{0}\cos(\alpha)
v_{y}(t) = v_{0}\sin(\alpha) - gt
x(t) = v_{0}\cos(\alpha)t
y(t) = v_{0}\sin(\alpha)t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2.
 
Wow, my teachers hasnt given us those equations so I am really not sure how to use them








radou said:
Your answers don't seem correct.

Use the 'standard' equations for projectile motion:

v_{x}(t) = v_{0}\cos(\alpha)
v_{y}(t) = v_{0}\sin(\alpha) - gt
x(t) = v_{0}\cos(\alpha)t
y(t) = v_{0}\sin(\alpha)t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2.
 
! said:
Wow, my teachers hasnt given us those equations so I am really not sure how to use them

How to use them? Simply read them. :wink:

(Hint: use the condition y(t) = 0 to get the time of the flight t. Then you can find all you need.)
 
Wow! Excuse my terrible english in the previous statement..."my teachers hasnt...", you must think I am retarded
radou said:
How to use them? Simply read them. :wink:

(Hint: use the condition y(t) = 0 to get the time of the flight t. Then you can find all you need.)
 
! said:
Wow! Excuse my terrible english in the previous statement..."my teachers hasnt...", you must think I am retarded

Don't worry, this is no grammar forum. :wink:
 

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