Projectile Velocity Calculation with Given Angle and Direction

  • Thread starter Thread starter proness26
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Projectile
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the final velocity (vf) of an object launched at an angle of 13 degrees below the horizontal, with a landing velocity of 12 m/s. The user attempts to express vf using the equations for velocity components in the x and y directions: vf cos(theta) and vf sin(theta). The confusion arises regarding the sign of the angle, specifically whether to denote it as negative due to its position below the horizontal axis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically projectile motion.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly sine and cosine.
  • Knowledge of vector components in two-dimensional motion.
  • Ability to interpret angles in relation to coordinate systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of projectile motion and its equations of motion.
  • Study the application of trigonometric functions in physics, focusing on angles and their signs.
  • Learn how to draw and interpret diagrams for vector components in physics problems.
  • Explore examples of velocity calculations in projectile motion scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those tackling projectile motion problems, and educators looking for examples of velocity calculations in two-dimensional motion.

proness26
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


An object is launched and it's velocity upon landing is 12 m/s [13 degrees below the horizontal].
If I assume down is positive and up is negative, what would my given for vf look like?


Homework Equations


in the x direction: vfcostheta
in the y direction: vfsintheta


The Attempt at a Solution


vf=-12m/s cos -13

Is it negative 13 b/c it's below the horizontal?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try to draw a diagram first. I don't really understand what your question is.
 

Similar threads

Replies
40
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
27K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K