Projectile Motion: Solving for Vx and Vy

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around projectile motion, specifically focusing on calculating the horizontal (Vx) and vertical (Vy) components of velocity when a projectile is fired from a cannon at a given angle. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the calculations and the implications of the initial conditions provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate Vx and Vy using trigonometric functions but questions the validity of their results. Some participants suggest checking the calculator settings for angle measurement. Another participant raises a question about the meaning of y0 in a formula related to projectile range, seeking clarification on its interpretation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on checking calculator settings and confirming the interpretation of variables in the projectile range formula. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved, but no consensus has been reached regarding the initial calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is a specific focus on understanding the implications of initial conditions in projectile motion.

nordqvist11
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Projectile Motion Question

Homework Statement


A cannon fires a projectile

Velocity = 40 m/s
The angle of the cannon= 35 degrees

solve for Vx= V*cos(angle)
and Vy=V*sin(angle)

I am having a problem understand this concept relative to what the screenshot below shows

RrYb6.png




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



When I try to solve this problem I get this
Vx=40(cos(35))
= -36.147

But that's impossible. I think I'm doing it wrong.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Your calculator is set for radians. You want to set it for degrees. 35 radians is a lot different from 35 degrees.
 
You're right, thanks a lot!
 
I have another question.

My projectile starts at point 0,5

I am given this formula to solve the range of the projectile if y isn't equal to 0

c1da5860501561519415962ddda5e85e.png


I'm fine with it until the end, it says y0, why y0? Does it just mean insert the value of y that the projectile starts at?
 
nordqvist11 said:
I have another question.

My projectile starts at point 0,5

I am given this formula to solve the range of the projectile if y isn't equal to 0

c1da5860501561519415962ddda5e85e.png


I'm fine with it until the end, it says y0, why y0? Does it just mean insert the value of y that the projectile starts at?

Yes, that's what y0 means.
 

Similar threads

The motion of a skateboarder along and above a ramp
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
780
Projectile Motion Problem Involving Initial Velocity and Gravity Only
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
projectile motion problem with no initial velocity given
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
985
I need opinions on a Projectile Motion problem that I made up
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Projectile Motion with a backwards Rotation/Tumble
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Finding the intersect of two functions
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Find the height of a lamp based on the velocities of projectiles
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
3K
Projectile Motion velocity vector Problem
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Excel projectile trajectory
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Find Projectile Flight Time Given Only Maximum Height
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K