# Homework Help: Shotput physics question

1. Feb 16, 2009

### jarny

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

In shot putting, many athletes elect to launch the shot at an angle that is smaller than the theoretical one (about 42°) at which the distance of a projected ball at the same speed and height is greatest. One reason has to do with the speed the athlete can give the shot during the acceleration phase of the throw. Assume that a 7.42 kg shot is accelerated along a straight path of length 1.65 m by a constant applied force of magnitude 410 N, starting with an initial speed of 2.5 m/s (due to the athlete's preliminary motion). What is the shot's speed at the end of the acceleration phase if the angle between the path and the horizontal is (a) 27° and (b) 42°? (Hint: Treat the motion as though it were along a ramp at the given angle.) (c) By what percent is the launch speed decreased if the athlete increases the angle from 27° to 42°?

2. Relevant equations

Fnet=m*a->

3. The attempt at a solution

Ok, as of now I think I have the hang of it, I just have a question and the rest makes sense. What I am going to find the acceleration vector and use that with v_0 to find v in v=v_0+at. I am going to find the acceleration vector via pythagorean theorem from the Net forces of the x and y components of the ball. The y is simple (i think) and I will find it by the sum of the F_g (negative) and the y component of the 410N vector at the degrees specified. I am stumped with the x though, Am I just summing the x component of fapp vector with the force of the ball (directed along the ground)? Thanks

2. Feb 16, 2009

### AEM

Re: Shotpu

You seem to be on the right track. The x component of your acceleration should just be

$$a_x = \frac{f_x}{m}$$

3. Feb 16, 2009

### jarny

Re: Shotpu

so only the x component of the fapp is all I need?

4. Feb 16, 2009

### AEM

Re: Shotpu

Yes, because gravity acts in the vertical direction and I'm sure you aren't including wind resistance and I can't think of any other force that would act in the horizontal direction.

5. Feb 16, 2009

### jarny

Re: Shotpu

Well I thought since the ball is at an angle the sum of the forces would be -f_gsintheta+fapp*costheta

6. Feb 16, 2009

### AEM

Re: Shotpu

Oh, no! That's scalar addition. To add those two components to get a vector, you have multiply them by the appropriate unit vectors along the x and y axes. You find the magnitude of this vector sum by using the Pythagorean theorem.

7. Feb 16, 2009

### jarny

Re: Shotpu

I am not following you here, sorry. can you put it in terms of the equations? (don't do work but is it possible just to say it a different way? thanks and sorry

8. Feb 16, 2009

Re: Shotpu