Projectile Motion: Solving for Range at Various Launch Angles

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the range of a shot put thrown from a height of 4.5 feet at various launch angles (20, 30, and 40 degrees) with an initial speed of 4.0 m/s. The participant attempted to solve the problem using the equations of motion but received incorrect answers. A key issue identified is the confusion between units, as the initial height is given in feet while the equations use meters. This highlights the importance of consistent unit conversion in physics problems. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful attention to units when applying formulas.
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Homework Statement


A shot-putter throws the shot with an initial speed of 4.0 m/s from a height of 4.5 ft above the ground. Calculate the range of the shot for each of the following launch angles.
a. 20 degrees
b. 30 degrees
c. 40 degrees
Vo=4
yo=4.5

Homework Equations


y = yo + Vo*sinθ*t - 1/2*g*t^2.
x = Vo*cosθ*t.

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried solving for the time in the first equation. I was careful to put in the height 4.5 for yo since it specifies that in the problem. I then tried to plug the time value into the second value. Then I repeated it for the other angles. Here is an example of what i did.
y=(4.5)+4(sin20)(t)-(1/2)(9.81)(t^(2))
y=4.5+1.36808t-4.9t^(2)
t=1.1081
x=4(cos20)(1.1081)
x=4.16509
For 30
4.1011499
For 40
3.8483
Yet for some reason these answers are wrong. Why?
 
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ama said:
I was careful to put in the height 4.5 for yo since it specifies that in the problem.
Note that the initial height was given in feet.
 
welcome to pf!

hi ama! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
ama said:
… from a height of 4.5 ft

y=(4.5)+4(sin20)(t)-(1/2)(9.81)(t^(2))

erm :redface:

feet! :biggrin:
 
lol. I am so really new to physics.
 
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