Projectile physics homework problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem where participants are comparing their calculated results with a textbook answer. The original poster claims their answer is 32 m/s, while the book states it is 37 m/s.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring different methods for calculating the final velocity of a projectile, questioning the validity of their own calculations and the textbook answer. Some are using kinematic equations, while others express confusion over the signs and values used in their calculations.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing dialogue with participants sharing their calculations and questioning each other's reasoning. Some express confidence in their results, suggesting the textbook may be incorrect, while others are seeking clarification on specific steps and assumptions in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with potential precision issues and the implications of sign conventions in their calculations. The problem involves a vertical displacement of -50 m and varying interpretations of initial and final velocities.

UNknown 2010
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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:
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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.
 
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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
 

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