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

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The discussion centers on proving that the horizontal range of a projectile is given by the formula 4h/tan(Θ), where h is the maximum height. Participants derive the equations for maximum height and range, noting that the horizontal range can be expressed as 2vi^2 sin(Θ)cos(Θ)/g. The key to the proof lies in analyzing the ratio of the range to the maximum height, leading to the conclusion that x/h = 4/tan(Θ). Ultimately, the participants confirm that understanding the relationship between cotangent and tangent is crucial for the proof.
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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.

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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.
 
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