Projectile motion with mass height and range

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the minimum speed of a 78.0-kg boulder rolling off a 16 m high cliff to reach a plain 28 m below the top of a dam located 110 m away. Participants confirm that the problem can be solved using standard constant acceleration equations rather than conservation of energy, as mass does not factor into the kinematic equations. The consensus is to apply the equations of motion for projectile motion to determine both the required launch speed and the impact distance from the dam.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with constant acceleration equations
  • Knowledge of basic physics concepts such as height, range, and velocity
  • Ability to apply kinematic equations in problem-solving
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  • Study the equations of motion for projectile motion
  • Learn about the relationship between height and range in projectile problems
  • Explore examples of conservation of energy in physics
  • Practice solving similar problems involving cliffs and horizontal motion
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering projectile motion calculations and applying kinematic equations effectively.

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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