Master Darts in a Moving Elevator to Precision Aim

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SUMMARY

When playing darts in an elevator moving at a constant speed, the aim should remain the same as it would on solid ground. The discussion clarifies that since the elevator is not accelerating, the dart, once released, behaves as if it were thrown from a stationary position. The force of gravity acts on the dart after it leaves the thrower's hand, but this does not necessitate any adjustment in aim. The key takeaway is that the dart's trajectory is unaffected by the elevator's constant velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with the concept of constant velocity versus acceleration.
  • Knowledge of gravitational force and its effects on objects in motion.
  • Basic principles of projectile motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Newton's First Law of Motion to understand inertia in moving systems.
  • Research the principles of projectile motion to analyze dart trajectories.
  • Explore the effects of altitude on gravitational acceleration and its implications.
  • Examine real-world applications of constant velocity scenarios in physics experiments.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and gravity in non-accelerating systems.

JoshuaC
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You are playing darts in an elevator that is rising at a constant speed. Should you still aim at your target the way you would normally do, or should you aim higher, or lower? Explain.
 
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What do you think?
 
Remember that speed is "relative". (No "einsteinean relativity" required here, just "Gallilean relativity".)
 
I feel like it would be the same because everything in the elevator is moving up at the same upward velocity, but I am not sure.
 
Ah you are right. But in the period of time during which the dart is in the air, is the dart being pulled up like the rest of the elevator?
 
Vorde said:
Ah you are right. But in the period of time during which the dart is in the air, is the dart being pulled up like the rest of the elevator?

Note that the problem states the elevator is rising a constant speed, and hence is not accelerating.
 
dipole said:
Note that the problem states the elevator is rising a constant speed, and hence is not accelerating.

Doesn't what I'm saying still matter though? If it is rising at a constant speed it means there is an acceleration equal to 9.8 m/s^2 up. The dart, in midair, doesn't feel this acceleration.
 
Vorde said:
Doesn't what I'm saying still matter though? If it is rising at a constant speed it means there is an acceleration equal to 9.8 m/s^2 up. The dart, in midair, doesn't feel this acceleration.

Doh, yes you're definitely right. I thought you were implying there were pseudo-forces present in the elevator.
 
Not true. If it is rising at a constant velocity, there is 0 acceleration up or else it would not be rising at a constant velocity.
 
  • #10
Vorde said:
Doesn't what I'm saying still matter though? If it is rising at a constant speed it means there is an acceleration equal to 9.8 m/s^2 up. The dart, in midair, doesn't feel this acceleration.

No, there is no acceleration if the velocity is constant.
 
  • #11
Drakkith said:
No, there is no acceleration if the velocity is constant.

Of course, but the second the 'dart' leaves the thrower's hand, it's no longer being pushed up by the force of the rising elevator cart (mediated by your hand) and therefore it feels a downward force equal to g, right?
 
  • #12
Vorde said:
Of course, but the second the 'dart' leaves the thrower's hand, it's no longer being pushed up by the force of the rising elevator cart (mediated by your hand) and therefore it feels a downward force equal to g, right?

It already feels a force downward equal to g before the throw. (Just like a dart supported by someone on the ground) Once it is released it is rising at the same velocity as the rest of the elevator and will act identically to a dart thrown on the ground.
 
  • #13
JoshuaC said:
You are playing darts in an elevator that is rising at a constant speed. Should you still aim at your target the way you would normally do, or should you aim higher, or lower? Explain.

No, different acceleration is experienced due to altitude

but the probability could be the same
 
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  • #14
Drakkith said:
It already feels a force downward equal to g before the throw. (Just like a dart supported by someone on the ground) Once it is released it is rising at the same velocity as the rest of the elevator and will act identically to a dart thrown on the ground.


I see what I was thinking wrong. In my head I was thinking that the added velocity would make it seem like there was a greater acceleration, I can see why that is wrong.

Thank you, and to the OP: listen to Drakkith.
 
  • #15
Reogl said:
No, different acceleration is experienced due to altitude

but the probability could be the same

NO, :)

read the several previous comments, The speed is constant, there is NO acceleration :)

Dave
 
  • #16
davenn said:
NO, :)

read the several previous comments, The speed is constant, there is NO acceleration :)

Dave

Doing that on top of the high mountain is the same.. no acceleration but different g "acceleration due to gravity due to altitude" (should have use that phrase in my last post).
Thus, lighter "darts" to throw . Aiming is a matter of memorizing the motor complex for certain dart flight..try 3 throws first probably the 4th is more precise.
 
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  • #17
The dart would start to accelerate downwards due to gravity once it leaves your hand, but that happens when you are at ground level as well so you shouldn't have to adjust your aim.
 

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