Projectile Motion Time Calculation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the time it takes for an object to return to its starting point after being fired up a frictionless ramp inclined at 65 degrees to the horizontal with an initial velocity of 35 m/s. The subject area is projectile motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the time using initial velocity and kinematic equations but arrives at a different answer than expected. Some participants suggest drawing a diagram and defining a coordinate system to simplify calculations. Others propose using force equations to derive acceleration and time.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different methods to approach the problem, with some providing alternative calculations that yield results closer to the answer in the key. There is a recognition of the need to clarify assumptions and coordinate systems, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of using a coordinate system aligned with the ramp and the influence of gravitational force on acceleration. The original poster's calculations and the provided answer in the key suggest potential misunderstandings in the application of projectile motion principles.

Destrio
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Hey,
An object is fired up a frictionless ramp 65 degrees to the horizontal with an initial velocity of 35 m/s, how long does the object take to return to the starting point.

What I did was:

cos 23 * 35m/s = Vyo
Vyo = 31.72 m/s

Vf = Vo + at
0 m/s = 31/72 m/s + (9.8m/s^2)(t)
t = 3.24s

Then doubled time for down to equal: 6.5s

The answer in the key is 7.9s.
What did I do wrong here?

Thanks,
 
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First thing I would do is draw a diagram. I would define a coordinate system in which the x-axis is parallel to the surface of the plane. That way all my calculations will deal with breaking components into the x-direction. Next I would use F=ma to calculate the acceleration of the object. Then apply projectile motion equations to calculate the time.
 
I'm still getting 6.5s as an answer :/
 
Starting with F=ma. The only force that is going to cause an acceleration is gravity (if we use the coordinate system I described).

F = ma
mgsin65 = ma
a = gsin65

Vf = Vi + at
0 = 35 m/s + (gsin65)t
t = 35/gsin65
multiply it by 2 to get whole time
t = 70/gsin65
t = 7.88 seconds.
 
ah,
that makes sense now
thanks very much
 

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