Projectile motion - velocity/time unknown

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the height at which a baseball clears a 24-foot fence located 320 feet from home plate, given that the ball is hit at a 45-degree angle from a height of 4 feet. The relevant equations of motion include vertical displacement (D = vi(t) + 0.5(a)(t²)) and horizontal displacement (Vx = Dx(t)). The key steps involve determining the time it takes for the ball to reach the fence and then calculating its vertical position at that time to ascertain how much it clears the fence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometry, particularly 45-degree angles
  • Ability to solve equations involving time, velocity, and displacement
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of kinematic equations in projectile motion
  • Learn how to calculate time of flight for projectiles
  • Explore the effects of different launch angles on projectile range and height
  • Investigate real-world applications of projectile motion in sports physics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, sports coaches analyzing batting techniques, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of projectile motion.

zombiemegan22
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
A batter hits a pitched ball at a height of 4 feet above the ground so that its angle of projection is 45 degrees and its horizontal range is 350 feet.
The ball is fair down the left field line where a 24 foot high fence is located 320 feet from home plate.
By how much will the ball clear the fence?

vfy=viy+at
(vf)[tex]^{2}[/tex]= (vi)[tex]^{2}[/tex]+2aD (..we'll say D= displacement)
D= vi(t)+.5(a)(t[tex]^{2}[/tex])

Vx=Dx(t)

Well, I only really know my x displacement, my acceleration constant, and that my initial y velocity and my x velocity are the same because of the 45 degree triangle [at least that's what my teacher said]...

So, help?! It's been bugging me for days.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Once you have your components of initial velocity along X and Y, X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) equations of motion are only related by time since there is no force along X and the gravitational force along Y, and no constraints on the object like a plane or a string, etc. (it's in free-fall) ... therefore:

First find the time when the ball is passing the fence.

Using this time, find the Y location (the vertical displacement).

Since the fence is only so tall, you can know if it clears and by how much.

P.S. Welcome to the forums!
 

Similar threads

Replies
40
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
3K