Projectile motion with mass height and range

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics homework question involving projectile motion, specifically calculating the minimum speed of a boulder rolling off a cliff and its landing distance from a dam. Participants agree that the problem can be solved using standard constant acceleration equations rather than conservation of energy, as mass does not affect the trajectory in this context. The importance of posting homework questions in the appropriate section is also highlighted. Overall, the key takeaway is to apply kinematic equations for solving projectile motion problems. Understanding the role of mass in such equations is clarified, emphasizing that it does not influence the calculations in this scenario.
SPiazzo
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Hello all I have a question I was hoping someone could answer for my homework.
A 78.0-kg boulder is rolling horizontally at the top of a vertical cliff that is h1 = 16 m above the surface of a lake, as shown in the figure below. The top of the vertical face of a dam is located d = 110 m from the foot of the cliff, with the top of the dam level with the surface of the water in the lake. A level plain is h2 = 28 m below the top of the dam.
a) What must be the minimum speed of the rock just as it leaves the cliff so it will travel to the plain without striking the dam?
b) How far from the foot of the dam does the rock hit the plain?

from what I could find on Google about it, it seems to be a conservation of energy problem as that is the only way you can relate mass to anything. As all of the kinematic equations I have seen in my book and notes have no variable for mass. I am also fairly certain that the limited amount of information in the problem means that the mass is simply not there for no reason.
Any help you could give would be great! Thanks!
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hello SPiazzo! Welcome to PF! :smile:
SPiazzo said:
from what I could find on Google about it, it seems to be a conservation of energy problem as that is the only way you can relate mass to anything.

No, just use the standard constant acceleration equations. :wink:
 
Please post homework questions in our homework section - I moved your thread.

I agree with tiny-tim, just use the formulas for constant acceleration.
 
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