Projectile motion rock off a cliff

In summary, projectile motion is the motion of an object through the air, influenced by gravity, after being launched or thrown. The height of the cliff affects the trajectory by increasing the initial velocity and range of the projectile. Factors such as initial velocity, angle of launch, and gravity affect the path of the rock after leaving the cliff, with air resistance playing a small role. The horizontal and vertical motion of the rock can be separated and analyzed using equations of motion. The mass of the rock does not significantly affect its trajectory, but it will have a greater force of impact when it reaches the ground.
  • #1
maddief
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0

Homework Statement


A rock is thrown down off a cliff at 18 m/s at an angle of 17 below the horizontal. If the rock hits a cliff that is 16m away, how far down did the rock fall.


Homework Equations


Vf= Vi + at
change in Y= Vit + .5at^2


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried solving for time and then plugging that back into the equations and I kept getting -3.87. Please help!
 
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  • #2
You can eliminate time by writing an equation for the x displacement of the rock and subbing this into your equation for it's y displacement.
 

1. What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object through the air, under the influence of gravity, after being launched or thrown.

2. How does the height of the cliff affect the rock's trajectory?

The height of the cliff affects the rock's trajectory by increasing the initial velocity and therefore the range of the projectile. A higher cliff will result in a longer flight time and a longer horizontal distance traveled.

3. What factors affect the path of the rock after it leaves the cliff?

The path of the rock after it leaves the cliff is affected by the initial velocity, angle of launch, and the force of gravity. Air resistance may also play a small role in altering the trajectory.

4. Can the rock's horizontal and vertical motion be separated?

Yes, the rock's horizontal and vertical motion can be separated and analyzed independently using the equations of motion. The horizontal motion of the rock is constant and can be described by the equation x = v0t, while the vertical motion is affected by gravity and can be described by the equation y = v0t - 1/2gt^2.

5. How does the mass of the rock affect its trajectory?

The mass of the rock does not affect its trajectory in a significant way. As long as the initial velocity and angle of launch are the same, a heavier rock will follow the same path as a lighter rock. However, a heavier rock will have a greater force of impact when it reaches the ground.

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