Solving a Dynamics Problem - Projectile Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Auron87
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Dynamics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving a projectile motion problem involving a man shooting at another man on a pole. The key equation derived is tan(α) = (v²gL) for maximum range, where v is the bullet speed, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and L is the horizontal distance. The user has successfully identified the angle of projection as arccos(L/vt) but struggles to connect this with the required tan function. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationships between horizontal and vertical components of motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, particularly sin and tan
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations for horizontal and vertical motion
  • Basic calculus for rearranging equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of projectile motion equations in physics
  • Learn about the application of trigonometric identities in physics problems
  • Explore the concept of maximum range in projectile motion
  • Investigate the effects of varying angles of projection on projectile trajectories
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the mathematical modeling of projectile motion.

Auron87
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Bit stuck on a projectile style question, at first glance I thought it would be pretty easy but I'm stuck now!

"A man is shooting another man who has climbed a pole h metres high, L metres away. The bullets are at speed v leaving the gun. Find an equation determining the angle of projection needed (alpha). Show that tan(alpha)=(v^2)gL for the maximum range."

Think I've got the angle part sorted, I have arccos(L/vt) for it anyway! But I'm really struggling getting the next part of the question, the nearest I've got is sin(2alpha) = (gL)/v^2 but can't really get tan into it! Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Horizontal velocity, displacement and acceleration respectively:
[tex]v_x = v_0cos\alpha[/tex]
[tex]s_x = v_0tcos\alpha[/tex]
[tex]a_x = 0[/tex]

Vertical Velocity, displacement, acceleration respectively:
[tex]v_y = v_osin\alpha - gt[/tex]
[tex]s_y = v_0tsin\alpha - \frac{1}{2}gt^2[/tex]
[tex]a_y = -g[/tex]

[tex]\therefore y = \frac{v_0xsin\alpha}{v_0cos\alpha} - \frac{1}{2}g[\frac{x}{v_0cos\alpha}]^2[/tex]

Cancel down and re-arrange, and you should be able to get the answer. Just is case it is needed, [tex]sin2\alpha = 2sin\alpha.cos\alpha[/tex] and [tex]tan\alpha = \frac{sin\alpha}{cos\alpha}[/tex]
I trust that you can finish.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K