Projectile physics homework problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a projectile physics problem where the user's calculated answer of 32 m/s differs from the book's answer of 37 m/s. Participants analyze the calculations, with one suggesting the book may be incorrect and another confirming the user's answer aligns with their own findings. Various methods are discussed, including using the equations of motion to calculate time and final velocity, with some participants noting potential minor precision issues. The importance of accounting for direction in velocity calculations is emphasized, particularly when dealing with downward motion. Overall, the consensus leans towards the user's solution being correct, casting doubt on the book's answer.
UNknown 2010
Messages
77
Reaction score
0
Hello,

I have solved the following problem but my answer does not matched with the answer which is written in the book. My answer is 32 m/s but the answer of the book is 37 m/s

[PLAIN]http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/6706/projectile.png

Could anyone please show me where my mistake is ?


Thanks =)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org


I don't get either your answer or the book answer!
Maybe you will see my mistake . . .

I did not trust that v² formula because the signs are complicated: you would get the 32.08 answer regardless of whether the initial velocity was up or down! So for the vertical part I used d = vt+.5gt² with d = -50, v = +7sin(53), g= -9.81 to get that the time to fall is 3.37 s. Then I put that into
Vf = Vi + at = 7sin(53)-9.81*3.37 = -27.5 m/s.
Final answer of 27.8 m/s.
 


UNknown 2010 said:
Hello,

I have solved the following problem but my answer does not matched with the answer which is written in the book. My answer is 32 m/s but the answer of the book is 37 m/s

[PLAIN]http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/6706/projectile.png

Could anyone please show me where my mistake is ?Thanks =)
I believe the answer you gave above (your answer) is correct, with possible, minor precision issues. The mistake must be in the book.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


i got exactly your answer Unknown 2010, so the book is wrong

and Delphi51 you don't even need to look at time
 


^^same thing with me...the book seems to be wrong..
 


Delphi51 said:
So for the vertical part I used d = vt+.5gt² with d = -50, v = +7sin(53), g= -9.81 to get that the time to fall is 3.37 s.
You might want to check your numbers again. I got t = 3.813 seconds using your method.
 


I still don't see it, Collinsmark. Hope you will pinpoint it for me!
-50 = 7*sin(53) - .5*9.81*t²
4.905*t² = 7*sin(53) + 50
4.905*t² = 55.59
t² = 55.59/4.905 = 11.33
t = 3.367

edit - Oops: forgot the t! Now getting the 31.8 m/s for the vertical.
Thank you for sorting that out!
 
Last edited:


Delphi51 said:
I still don't see it, Collinsmark. Hope you will pinpoint it for me!
-50 = 7*sin(53) - .5*9.81*t²
4.905*t² = 7*sin(53) + 50
4.905*t² = 55.59
t² = 55.59/4.905 = 11.33
t = 3.367

edit - Oops: forgot the t! Now getting the 31.8 m/s for the vertical.
Thank you for sorting that out!

i honestly don't see how your solution is plausible of working. Can you explain how you take into account the time traveled above 50m?
 


The t is the time of flight. Those formulas Vf = Vi + at and
d = Vi*t + ½a*t² are for all constant acceleration motion and always account for the time, distance and speed automatically whether above or below the starting point. If you solve the first formula for t and sub into the second, you'll get the Vf² = Vi² + 2ad formula.
 
  • #10


UNknown 2010 said:
Hello,

I have solved the following problem but my answer does not matched with the answer which is written in the book. My answer is 32 m/s but the answer of the book is 37 m/s

[PLAIN]http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/6706/projectile.png

Could anyone please show me where my mistake is ?


Thanks =)

Your work is perfect, with the minor exception that v_y should be negative since the rock is moving downward at that point. This will also affect your angle. Remember that \sqrt{x^2} = \pm x
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11


Delphi51 said:
The t is the time of flight. Those formulas Vf = Vi + at and
d = Vi*t + ½a*t² are for all constant acceleration motion and always account for the time, distance and speed automatically whether above or below the starting point. If you solve the first formula for t and sub into the second, you'll get the Vf² = Vi² + 2ad formula.

okay i see what you did, and why it works
 
Back
Top