Projectile motion, with no Initial Velocity

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The problem involves calculating the initial speed required for a basketball player, standing 2.00 m tall and 10.0 m away from a basket at a height of 3.05 m, to successfully shoot the ball at a 40-degree angle without hitting the backboard. Using the equations of motion, specifically Y = Vi t + 1/2 g t² and V² = 2gY, the solution reveals that the initial speed must be 10.66 m/s. The calculations involve determining the time of flight and the maximum height of the projectile, leading to the final speed determination.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Basic trigonometry for resolving velocity components
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.8 m/s²)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of projectile motion equations
  • Learn how to apply trigonometric functions in physics problems
  • Explore the concept of maximum height in projectile motion
  • Practice solving similar problems involving angles and distances
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and projectile motion, as well as educators looking for practical examples to illustrate these concepts.

RIPCLB
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A 2.00-m tall basketball player is standing on the floor 10.0 m from the basket. If he shoots the ball at a 40 degree angle from the horizontal, at what initial speed must he throw the ball so that it goes through the basket without striking the backboard? The height of the basket is 3.05 m.

Homework Equations


Y=Vi t + 1/2 g t^2
V^2 = + 2 g Y

Those are my best guesses, but I'm not entirely sure.

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't even know where to begin.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
First, establish a rectangualr coordinate system, with the origin at say 2m above the floor and 10m from the hoop.

Next, list the known variables and their values.

Initial position: (xi, yi) = (0,2)

Final position: (xf, yf) = (10, 1.05) ...note that yf is 1.05 m above the origin defined above.

Launch angle is 40 deg above horizontal.

To find the initial speed, we find the components of the initial velocity, whcih we write

Vix = Vi cos 40 Viy = Vi sin 40

Now write the two equations which give the final position (x,y) as a function of initial position, initial speed components and time. You should find that the only unknowns are the initial speed Vi and time of flight to the hoop. Two eqns, two unknowns...
 
I don't really understand what exactly to do when you say to write the equations as a function in this case.
 
Is there anyone that can further help? I'm very crunched for time tonight and any help would be very appreciated.
 
RIPCLB said:

Homework Statement



A 2.00-m tall basketball player is standing on the floor 10.0 m from the basket. If he shoots the ball at a 40 degree angle from the horizontal, at what initial speed must he throw the ball so that it goes through the basket without striking the backboard? The height of the basket is 3.05 m.

Homework Equations


Y=Vi t + 1/2 g t^2
V^2 = + 2 g Y

Those are my best guesses, but I'm not entirely sure.

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't even know where to begin.

Start with what you know. Build equations that describe the situation.

For instance, you know that the horizontal Velocity = V*Cosθ
If T is the total time of flight, and the basket is 10m away then you know that V*Cosθ*T = 10m

Believe it or not you are a good part of the way there already.

OK, what else do you know? How much time to maximum height?
Initial velocity/g = V*Sinθ/g = T1

Now T1 is only part of the problem, because Total time = Time to rise (T1) plus time to fall (T2).

OK so how much time for it to drop from max height to the height of the basket?

Figure Max height. Not that hard because (V*Sinθ)2 = 2gH
(Remember H is 2m higher than the ground.)

Now last piece of the puzzle: How long to drop from max height?
(H - 1.02) = 1/2 g* T22
(The 1.02 is the difference in height above the release point.)

Now start solving. Your answer should grind out the bottom.
 
1.05=v^2sin40*(10/v^2cos40)-0.5*9.8*(10/v^2cos40)^2
1.05=10tan40-(490/v^2(cos40)^2)
v^2((cos40)^2*10tan40)-490=v^2((cos40)^2)
v^2((cos40)^2*10tan40)-v^2((cos40)^2)=490
v^2(4.337215)=490
v=(490/4.337215)^0.5
v=10.66m/s

HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND NOW!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
870
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
10K
Replies
40
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K