Show that the horizontal range is 4h/tan(theta)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem, specifically focusing on deriving the relationship between the horizontal range and the maximum height of the projectile. The original poster seeks to show that the horizontal range is equal to 4h/tan(θ), where h is the maximum height reached by the projectile.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the range and maximum height, with some suggesting the need to consider the ratio of these two quantities. There are attempts to derive expressions for both the range and height, and questions arise regarding the necessity of the ratio in the proof.

Discussion Status

Several participants have shared their derived formulas for the range and height, and some express confusion about the need for the ratio of range to height. There is an indication that productive dialogue is occurring, with participants questioning each other's reasoning and clarifying their approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original problem does not explicitly ask for the ratio of range to height, leading to some uncertainty about its relevance in the proof. There is also mention of specific formulas derived from the projectile motion equations, but the discussion remains focused on the relationships rather than reaching a definitive conclusion.

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Homework Statement



A projectile launched at angle Θ to the horizontal reaches maximum height h. Show that its horizontal range is 4h/ tan Θ.

The Attempt at a Solution



tapex = vi sin Θ/g
tfull trajectory = 2vi sin Θ/g
h(tapex) = h = vi^2 sin^2 Θ/2g

x(tfull trajectory) = x = \frac{vi^2 sin (2Θ)}{g}
 
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Consider the ratio of range to max height.
 
voko said:
Consider the ratio of range to max height.


I did. The expression for the full range and heigh, h is in the op.
But I'm unable to reduce them to the appropriate wxpression
 
Show what you get and how you get that.
 
voko said:
Show what you get and how you get that.

I worked out hapex = vi ^2 sin^Θ and xfull range = vi^2(2Θ)/g
The above was obtained by substituting t/2 intp the y-displacement and t into the x-displacement.
 
As I said. Consider the ratio of range to max height.
 
voko said:
As I said. Consider the ratio of range to max height.

I did.

The horizontal range is 2vi^2 sinΘcosΘ.
I simplified 4h/tanΘ to 2vi^2sinΘcosΘ/g.
I suppose this is a sufficient condition for the proof?
 
I cannot see your analysis of the ratio of range to max height. Which is strange, because you have found a formula for range, and a formula for max height. All you need is to divide one by another.
 
voko said:
I cannot see your analysis of the ratio of range to max height. Which is strange, because you have found a formula for range, and a formula for max height. All you need is to divide one by another.

Capture.JPG


I failed to obtain the required equation. Why do we need the ratio? The question has not asked for that.

My method:
I found x = vi^2 sin(2Θ)/g = 2vi^2 sinΘcosΘ
I reduced 4h/tanΘ to = 2vi^2 sinΘcosΘ, where h = vi^2 sin^2Θ/2g and tan Θ = sinΘ/cosΘ.
 
  • #10
You are required to prove that $$ x = {4h \over \tan \theta} $$ That means $$ {x \over h} = {4 \over \tan \theta} $$

Regarding your "failure", how are ## \cot ## and ## \tan ## related?
 
  • #11
voko said:
You are required to prove that $$ x = {4h \over \tan \theta} $$ That means $$ {x \over h} = {4 \over \tan \theta} $$

Regarding your "failure", how are ## \cot ## and ## \tan ## related?
cot Θ= 1/tanΘ
It never occurred to me I had to perform a x/h ratio. But anyway, answer found.
 
Last edited:

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