Projectile Motion: Throwing a Package to Reach a 2nd Story Window

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the initial speed and angle required to throw a package from a height of 1.5 meters to reach a second-floor window located 4.2 meters above the ground, with a horizontal distance of 3.0 meters from the wall. The relevant equation used is y = tan(θ) - (g/2v²cos²(θ))x², where g represents gravitational acceleration. Participants emphasize determining the change in height and horizontal distance to derive the initial vertical velocity needed for the package to just reach the window.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically tangent
  • Basic grasp of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.81 m/s²)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the initial vertical velocity using the height difference of 2.7 meters (4.2m - 1.5m)
  • Determine the time of flight using horizontal motion equations
  • Explore the relationship between angle of projection and range in projectile motion
  • Investigate the effects of air resistance on projectile trajectories
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Students studying physics, educators teaching projectile motion concepts, and anyone involved in solving real-world problems related to trajectories and motion dynamics.

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Homework Statement


Standing on the ground 3.0m from the wall of a building you want to throw a package from your 1.5m shoulder level to someone in a second-floor window 4.2m above the ground. At what speed and angle should you throw the package so it just barely reaches the window?


Homework Equations


[tex]y=tan\vartheta-\frac{g}{2v^{2}cos(\vartheta)^{2}}x^{2}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not exactly sure where to begin with this problem. I tried drawing a picture of the problem but I'm still stuck. The only thing I know is that since the package just reaches the 2nd story window, the velocity Vy0=0 at some time t>0.
 
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Correct the vertical velocity will be zero at some time after t>0. If it just goes through the window this will be its maximum height.

Start by thinking about.

{1} what is the change height the ball travels through to get to the window?

{2} How far does the ball move horizontally?

Knowing the height the ball moves to before stopping allows you to calculate the initial vertical velocity, which then will allow you to work out the time.
 

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