Projectile motion vector problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the launch angle for a drone to reach a target 400 meters due east while accounting for a southward wind of 5 m/s. The subject area includes projectile motion and vector analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up equations based on horizontal and vertical components of motion but expresses uncertainty about how to proceed. Some participants question the definitions of variables and the reasoning behind the choice of acceleration in the vertical direction.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on clarifying variable definitions and suggesting a reevaluation of the problem's approach. There is an indication that multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a diagram created by the original poster, but it is unclear if all necessary information has been included. The discussion includes questioning the appropriateness of the gravitational acceleration used in the context of the problem.

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Homework Statement


At what compensatory angle north of east should a drone, that can only move forward at a maximum speed of 20 m/s, be launched if it is to strike a target that is 400m due east if there is a wind moving 5 m/s south?

Homework Equations


vx=20cos\Theta
vy=20sin\Theta
vf2=vi2+2ad (I think?)

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure how to start trying to solve this, I drew a small diagram labeled with north south east and west and it shows the object's trajectory over the 400 m. I set up a chart of known and unknown variables
x
d=400 m
a=0 m/s2
t= ?
vi=20cos\Theta
vf=20cos\Theta
vavg=20cos\Theta

y
d=?
a=9.8 m/s2
t=?
vi=20sin\Theta
vf=?
vavg=?that's all I can get
 
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First define your variables. What is x and what is y? Why is acceleration in the y direction 9.8 m/s^2?
 
x is motion on the axis from west to east and y is motion on the axis from south to north, the acceleration in the y direction is that because the only force acting on it is the gravitational force
 
Gravity doesn't work from north to south.

EDIT: My point is, you're approaching the problem from completely the wrong angle. It's simple vector arithmetic and trigonometry. Try re-drawing the problem with that in mind, and let us know how you do.
 
Last edited:

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