Projectile problem -- How much to increase Vi to reach a farther target?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a projectile motion scenario where a missile is launched at a 45-degree angle to reach a target at a specified horizontal distance. The original poster seeks to determine the percentage increase in the initial velocity required to hit a farther target compared to a closer one.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the range formula for projectile motion to calculate the required change in velocity. Some participants question the calculations and seek clarification on the steps taken, while others suggest that discrepancies may arise from assumptions about gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the calculations and explore potential sources of error. Some participants have provided guidance on the assumptions involved in the projectile motion formula, while others are still seeking a clearer understanding of the steps to arrive at the correct percentage increase.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the assumption that gravitational acceleration remains constant, which may not hold true for projectiles at high altitudes. This aspect is under discussion as a potential factor affecting the calculations.

D.Man Hazarika
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Homework Statement


A missile is launched from the ground making 45 degree with the horizontal to hit a target at a horizontal distance of 300 km. If it is required to hit a target at a horizontal distance of 675 km launched at same angle with horizontal, find the percentage change in its velocity of projection. (Answer is 50% increase)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I did it like this but I got 44.5% whereas the answer is 50%

So I did it like this...
R= u²sin2∅/g
I put R= 300km and 675km in the given formula in two equations...
I got √100/3 and √75
Therefore to find % increase
√100/3 divided by √75 * 100
I got 44.5%
But the answer is 50%...please help
 
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D.Man Hazarika said:

Homework Statement


A missile is launched from the ground making 45 degree with the horizontal to hit a target at a horizontal distance of 300 km. If it is required to hit a target at a horizontal distance of 675 km launched at same angle with horizontal, find the percentage change in its velocity of projection. (Answer is 50% increase)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I did it like this but I got 44.5% whereas the answer is 50%

So I did it like this...
R= u²sin2∅/g
I put R= 300km and 675km in the given formula in two equations...
I got √100/3 and √75
Therefore to find % increase
√100/3 divided by √75 * 100
I got 44.5%
But the answer is 50%...please help

Such ranges and launch angles usually suggest that the rocket gains a relatively large altitude before hitting its target. Your range formula assumes that g is constant, which is OK for problems where the projectile remains close to the surface of the earth. For projectiles which travel high in the atmosphere, I'm sure this formula must be modified.

The variation of g with altitude is discussed in this article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_of_Earth

This might be the source of the discrepancy of your calculation with the answer key.
 
Look I am confused I just need u to show me the steps of doing this sum...
 
SteamKing said:
This might be the source of the discrepancy of your calculation with the answer key.
No, it's just numerical error.
D.Man Hazarika said:
I got √100/3 and √75
I don't understand how you got those. Please post all steps.
 
OK thanks anyways I got the answer
 

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