Projectile trajectory : calculating gravity and height

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The discussion focuses on simulating projectile motion under non-standard conditions, specifically needing to calculate the initial angle (θ) and gravity (g) based on known parameters: initial height (y0), initial velocity (v0), maximum horizontal distance (d), and maximum height (h). The user emphasizes that they cannot use a constant gravity value like 9.81 m/s², as the simulation involves varying gravity on an unknown planet. They seek formulas to derive θ and g while maintaining the projectile's initial velocity and height constraints. The conversation highlights the challenge of adjusting gravity to achieve desired distances in the simulation. Overall, the user is looking for mathematical solutions to facilitate their unique projectile simulation.
yoziva
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Hello,

I'm trying to simulate a projectile movement (without any air friction). But my projectile parameters are not conventional.

I know :
  1. The initial height (y0)
  2. The initial velocity (v0)
  3. The maximum horizontal travel distance (d)
  4. The maximum height (h)

I need to find :
  • the initial angle (θ)
  • the gravity (g)

So basicly I'm trying to find the formulas that give θ and g according y0, v0, d, h.
And that's where I'm stuck :)

Here is an image to be a bit clearer :
[PLAIN]http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/6706/projectile.png

Any help is welcome

Thanks !
 
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Depending on where you are, say Earth at ground level/small heights, 'g' would be 9.81 m/s^2 i.e. a constant. You would know 'g'.

As for θ, if you consider vertical motion,

v2=u2-2gh

at max height, H, v=0 so you would be able to solve for u which would involve the angle θ.
 
Thanks, but actually I cannot use 'g' with 9.81 m/s^2 or any other 'constant'.

I know it is not usual but 'y0' 'v0' 'd' and 'h' are my constants. 'θ' and 'g' are my variables.

You may consider I'm simulating the projectile on an unknown planet, or if you prefer a planet where the gravity can change between two projectiles throw.

The goal behind that is quite simple actually. In my simulation I want to be able to launch a projectile at any possible distance without changing its initial velocity. So the only way to be able to do that is to modify the gravity (hard to do that on Earth but not in a simulation) And since I also have another constraint, the height. I also need to find 'θ'.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
For simple comparison, I think the same thought process can be followed as a block slides down a hill, - for block down hill, simple starting PE of mgh to final max KE 0.5mv^2 - comparing PE1 to max KE2 would result in finding the work friction did through the process. efficiency is just 100*KE2/PE1. If a mousetrap car travels along a flat surface, a starting PE of 0.5 k th^2 can be measured and maximum velocity of the car can also be measured. If energy efficiency is defined by...

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