Projectile Motion: Solving for Vx and Vy

[nordqvist11]

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

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.

 

[Dick]

Your calculator is set for radians. You want to set it for degrees. 35 radians is a lot different from 35 degrees.

 

[nordqvist11]

You're right, thanks a lot!

 

[nordqvist11]

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

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?

 

[Dick]

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

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.