Projectile motion Problem(Is My Ans Correct?)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the projectile motion of an object with an initial velocity and angle, determining the time elapsed between two points in its trajectory where the angles differ. The discussion centers on the calculations related to the horizontal and vertical components of velocity and the effects of gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the decomposition of initial velocity into horizontal and vertical components, using trigonometric relationships to express the second velocity's components. There is exploration of the equations of motion under uniform acceleration and how to account for gravity's direction in calculations.

Discussion Status

Multiple participants have provided similar calculations with slight variations in sign due to differing assumptions about the direction of gravity. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these sign choices, and participants are questioning the validity of their approaches while seeking confirmation of their reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential confusion regarding the signs of gravitational acceleration and the implications for their calculations. There is an acknowledgment of the need to maintain consistency in the chosen frame of reference.

Plutonium88
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The question: An object has a Velocity V1 and an angle A (Alpha) initially. Later in its path, this same object has an Angle B (Beta)

find the time elapsed from point A to point B


Okay so i have an answer.. i just need some one to tell me if what I'm doing is correct./answer is correct.

http://postimage.org/image/xsei89eg1/


here is an image of the problem.


Okay so..

V1x = V1cosA
V1y = V1sinA

Let V2 be the variable for the second velocity.

Since horizontal component of velocity is constant through projectile motion..

V1x=V2x

V2x = v1cosA

Through trigonemtry we can resolve the Y component for V2, which i need for further calculation

TanB = V2y/V2x

V2y= V2xTanB

Now i have all i need and i can use uniform accelerated formula, to solve for The time...

Vf=Vi + gt

V2y = V1y + gt

(v2y - v1y)/g = t

Answer: t = (v1cosATanB - V1sinA)/g


or simplifieed too... V1(cosA*TanB - SinA)/g

(m/s)/(m/s^2)

= s (seconds)

Units match.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Got the same thing with opposite sign - I took g to be 9.81; in your solution g = -9.81.
 
lol i always make taht stupid mistake.. xD.

so t= (v1cosAtanB - v1sina) /-g

t = (v1sina - v1cosAtanB )/ g
 
Delphi51 said:
Got the same thing with opposite sign - I took g to be 9.81; in your solution g = -9.81.
d

so using your frame of reference for the vertical component as g = 9.81 and X portion being positive in the direction of motion
v2x=v1x

TanB = -V2y/v2x

-V2y = TanB*V1cosA
v2y = -TanB*v1cosA

v2y = v1y + gt

-TanB*v1CosA = -V1SinA + Gt
T = (V1SinA - V1CosA*TanB)/g

T= V1(SinA-CosA*TanB)/g


I'm just curious for what i did in the post above, am i 'allowed' to do that..

cause i thoguht -a/b is the same thing as a/-b

? Also i prefer using your way especially when using purely variables making;
Gravity = Positive Direction

because i don't have to account for the sign, therefore i won't lose track of it.
 

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