Projectile trajectory problem with constraint

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the trajectory of a projectile, specifically a ball that passes through a hoop on its downward path. The task requires determining the total x-displacement, launch angle (theta), and total flight time without using the range formula, with the additional constraint that the landing point is 0.25 meters above the launch height.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the challenge of not having the launch angle and explore the implications of treating it as an unknown. There are suggestions to analyze the projectile motion equations to see if they can satisfy the conditions of the problem. Some participants propose using a trial-and-error method to guess the launch angle and check if the trajectory meets the target conditions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion about the problem setup and seeking guidance. Some have reiterated the forum's rules regarding the provision of complete solutions, emphasizing that helpers can only offer hints or point out errors without solving the problem outright.

Contextual Notes

Participants are reminded of the forum rules that prohibit complete solutions to homework problems, which has led to a focus on hints and suggestions rather than direct answers.

jacksmith2296
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Homework Statement


http://imgur.com/RDMG4Pj
Link to drawn out problem^

The ball goes through the hoop NOT at the peak, but rather on it's downward path. It's asking for the total x-displacement, launch angle (theta), and the total flight time. It must me solved WITHOUT using the range formula. The landing point is also .25 meters up, so it lands at the same height it was launched from.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm completely lost without theta; thanks for your help.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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jacksmith2296 said:

Homework Statement


http://imgur.com/RDMG4Pj
Link to drawn out problem^

The ball goes through the hoop NOT at the peak, but rather on it's downward path. It's asking for the total x-displacement, launch angle (theta), and the total flight time. It must me solved WITHOUT using the range formula. The landing point is also .25 meters up, so it lands at the same height it was launched from.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm completely lost without theta; thanks for your help.
Why can't you write the regular projectile motion equations? That's where the range formula ultimately comes from.

You treat the launch angle as an unknown to start with, and then you analyze your equations to see if the end of the trajectory satisfies the conditions of going thru the hoop and landing 0.5 m down range at the indicated height. You can always treat this like a game of Battleship, where you guess values of the initial angle and see if the ball hits the target. A problem like this could easily be set up on a spread sheet.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
SteamKing said:
Why can't you write the regular projectile motion equations? That's where the range formula ultimately comes from.

You treat the launch angle as an unknown to start with, and then you analyze your equations to see if the end of the trajectory satisfies the conditions of going thru the hoop and landing 0.5 m down range at the indicated height. You can always treat this like a game of Battleship, where you guess values of the initial angle and see if the ball hits the target. A problem like this could easily be set up on a spread sheet.
Will you please work it out? I'm honestly just lost, and I think I'd understand better if I could look at the answer and work my way through.
 
jacksmith2296 said:
Will you please work it out? I'm honestly just lost, and I think I'd understand better if I could look at the answer and work my way through.
Sorry but that's not allowed by the forum rules. Helpers are not allowed to completely solve homework problems for other members.

They can provide hints and suggestions, or point out errors or where the chosen method has gone off-track, but they can't do your work for you.

Edit: Please note that I've changed the thread title so that helpers can better recognize the subject matter of the problem.
 
jacksmith2296 said:
Will you please work it out? I'm honestly just lost, and I think I'd understand better if I could look at the answer and work my way through.
Sorry, that's against the rules for the HW forums here at PF. You've got to show some effort at solving your own HW problems.
 
gneill said:
Sorry but that's not allowed by the forum rules. Helpers are not allowed to completely solve homework problems for other members.

They can provide hints and suggestions, or point out errors or where the chosen method has gone off-track, but they can't do your work for you.

Edit: Please note that I've changed the thread title so that helpers can better recognize the subject matter of the problem.
Sorry I really didn't know
 

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