Projectile motion problem (find angle theta)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves projectile motion, specifically determining the launch angle θ of a projectile given its initial velocity, time of flight, and range. The context assumes negligible air resistance and a level ground.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the time of flight, range, and horizontal velocity. There is uncertainty about which equations to apply and how to rearrange them to find the launch angle.

Discussion Status

Some participants have calculated the horizontal velocity based on the given range and time of flight, leading to an approximate value for θ. However, the discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and exploration of the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants express concern over the lack of information regarding the initial horizontal velocity and how to effectively use the provided data to find the angle.

5ymmetrica1
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Homework Statement


A projectile is launched from the ground with an initial velocity of 140m/s at an angle of θ above the horizontal. (assume AR is negligible and the ground is level)
The time of flight is 18.7seconds and its range is 1.98*10^3
show that the launch angle θ is approximately 41 degrees

Homework Equations


I'm unsure which equation I am supposed to use for a problem like this


The Attempt at a Solution


voh = 140cosθ

∴ cosθ = voh/140

but I am not given enough information to find the initial horizontal velocity so this equation won't work. I also am sure that I have to use the time of flight and the range since its been given but I can't think how to rearrange things to make it work.
Can anyone point me in the right direction for what I'm supposed to be doing please?
 
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5ymmetrica1 said:

Homework Statement


A projectile is launched from the ground with an initial velocity of 140m/s at an angle of θ above the horizontal. (assume AR is negligible and the ground is level)
The time of flight is 18.7seconds and its range is 1.98*10^3
show that the launch angle θ is approximately 41 degrees

Homework Equations


I'm unsure which equation I am supposed to use for a problem like this


The Attempt at a Solution


voh = 140cosθ

∴ cosθ = voh/140

but I am not given enough information to find the initial horizontal velocity so this equation won't work. I also am sure that I have to use the time of flight and the range since its been given but I can't think how to rearrange things to make it work.
Can anyone point me in the right direction for what I'm supposed to be doing please?


What must voh be if the projectile flew for 1.98e3 m and took 18.7sec. to do so?
 
thanks for the reply rudeman!

So voh = 1.8e3m/ 18.7s = 105.88 m/s

then θ = cos-1 (105.88/140)

∴ θ = 40.86 degrees ≈ 41 degrees
 
5ymmetrica1 said:
thanks for the reply rudeman!

So voh = 1.8e3m/ 18.7s = 105.88 m/s

then θ = cos-1 (105.88/140)

∴ θ = 40.86 degrees ≈ 41 degrees

Yay team!
 

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