Projectile Motion range equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the range equation in projectile motion, specifically how the range of a projectile is affected by changes in initial velocity and launch angle. Participants are exploring the implications of the range equation and its components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between initial velocity and range, questioning how to manipulate the range equation. There is confusion about the role of trigonometric functions in the context of the problem. Some participants express uncertainty about the effects of doubling the initial velocity on the range.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the range equation and its implications. Some participants have provided insights into the mathematical relationships involved, while others are still grappling with the concepts. Guidance has been offered regarding the importance of considering the equation's structure and the effects of squaring the initial velocity.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the depth of assistance they can receive. There is a focus on understanding the underlying principles rather than simply obtaining answers.

Kingyou123
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Homework Statement


Uploaded

Homework Equations


x(t)=xo+v0xT+1/2axt^2

The Attempt at a Solution


(2Vo)costheta(t)=R, How would I get rid of T?
 

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Kingyou123 said:

Homework Statement


Uploaded

Homework Equations


x(t)=xo+v0xT+1/2axt^2

The Attempt at a Solution


(2Vo)costheta(t)=R, How would I get rid of T?
Can you show how you arrived at your solution attempt? What does "costheta(t)" represent?
 
gneill said:
Can you show how you arrived at your solution attempt? What does "costheta(t)" represent?
Velocity Intial of x is equal to vocostheta, should I be using range =(vo^2sin2(theta))/gravity. I'm really lost right now...
 
Kingyou123 said:
Velocity Intial of x is equal to vocostheta, should I be using range =(vo^2sin2(theta))/gravity. I'm really lost right now...
Okay, that's a bit better. The Range equation is a good approach. You should place the entire argument of a function within the parentheses to make it clear what the function argument is. Thus:

R = (vo2/g) sin(2θ)

(Note that you can use the ##x_2## and ##x^2## icons in the edit panel header to invoke superscripts and subscripts, and greek letters and other symbols can be selected from the ##\Sigma## icon's menu)

The range equation gives you the range of a projectile that's launched with a given velocity ##v_o## at a given angle ##\theta##. So what happens to the range if you double the launch velocity?

For the second part of the question, take a browse though your table of trig identities then ponder what happens to sin and cos if the angle is adjusted as specified in the question.
 
gneill said:
Okay, that's a bit better. The Range equation is a good approach. You should place the entire argument of a function within the parentheses to make it clear what the function argument is. Thus:

R = (vo2/g) sin(2θ)

(Note that you can use the ##x_2## and ##x^2## icons in the edit panel header to invoke superscripts and subscripts, and greek letters and other symbols can be selected from the ##\Sigma## icon's menu)

The range equation gives you the range of a projectile that's launched with a given velocity ##v_o## at a given angle ##\theta##. So what happens to the range if you double the launch velocity?

For the second part of the question, take a browse though your table of trig identities then ponder what happens to sin and cos if the angle is adjusted as specified in the question.
Would it be 2R since the velocity is doubled?
 
Kingyou123 said:
Would it be 2R since the velocity is doubled?
Can you justify that with an argument based upon the range equation? I won't confirm or deny a guess...
 
I plugged 10 for the in initial velocity so doubling that would make 20/g therefore the outcome would be twice as great. Right logic or I'm I completely off/
 
Kingyou123 said:
I plugged 10 for the in initial velocity so doubling that would make 20/g therefore the outcome would be twice as great. Right logic or I'm I completely off/
It is not correct. Does the range equation use ##v_o## or ##v_o^2##? How does squaring a doubled value affect the net result?
 
gneill said:
It is not correct. Does the range equation use ##v_o## or ##v_o^2##? How does squaring a doubled value affect the net result?
ohhhhhhh would it be 4R cause by doubling 1 you get 2 and 2^2 is 4 so in this case quadruplicating the R.
 
  • #10
Kingyou123 said:
ohhhhhhh would it be 4R cause by doubling 1 you get 2 and 2^2 is 4 so in this case quadruplicating the R.
Bingo! It always pays to consider the equation involved and not rely on instinct alone :smile:
 
  • #11
gneill said:
Bingo! It always pays to consider the equation involved and not rely on instinct alone :smile:
Thank you so much it makes so much more sense now :) Would you be up to help with the rest of homework when I get stuck?
 
  • #12
Kingyou123 said:
Thank you so much it makes so much more sense now :) Would you be up to help with the rest of homework when I get stuck?
For the second part would the angle be greater causing the distance to decrease? If I plug 30 in for theta, sin(90-30), the angle is greater than the previous 30, but if I plug 85 for theta the answer would less than...
 
  • #13
Nevermind, sin(90-theta) is cos
 

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