Projectile motion question totally stuck

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a projectile motion problem involving a cannon firing projectiles at an angle up a hill with elevation angle alpha. Participants emphasize the need to separate the initial velocity into horizontal (Vx0 = V0cos(theta)) and vertical (Vy0 = V0sin(theta)) components. The optimal launch angle for maximum range varies with the hill's angle, deviating from the standard 45 degrees used for flat surfaces. Key equations include the projectile's horizontal and vertical motion equations, with participants exploring methods to derive the angle that maximizes the range up the incline.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine, cosine)
  • Ability to manipulate quadratic equations
  • Knowledge of coordinate systems and transformations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of projectile motion equations on inclined planes
  • Learn about coordinate transformations in physics problems
  • Explore optimization techniques for quadratic functions
  • Research the effects of varying launch angles on projectile range
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and projectile motion, as well as anyone looking to enhance their problem-solving skills in kinematics.

  • #61
Thanks! I haven't seen that trig identity for years. It sure is handy in this problem.

emyt, if you are still watching, he has used
sin(x+y) + sin(x-y) = 2sin(x)cos(y)
You probably did it in high school using
sin(x+y) = sin(x)cos(y) + cos(x)sin(y)
and the same with y replaced by -y. These last identities are the commonly used "addition and subtraction formulas".
 

Similar threads

Projectile Motion on the Moon: Finding the Optimal Launch Angle Using Equations
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
How Do You Solve a Projectile Motion Problem?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Need clarification of projectile motion
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Projectile Motion fired from a cannon
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Projectile Motion - object that is shot at an angle of 55 degrees
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Treating a projectile like a rotational system?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Relative motion/Projectile motion
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
How Do You Calculate Minimum and Maximum Velocities in Projectile Motion?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Calculate the displacement? (Projectile motion problem)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Circular + Projectile Motion question
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K