Solving Projectile Motion: Find Initial Velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a projectile motion problem involving a cannon launched at a 30-degree angle, hitting a wall 100 meters away at a height of 15 meters. The initial velocity is to be determined using the parabolic trajectory formula, specifically by finding the function y(x) that satisfies y=15 m at x=100 m. The user initially neglected the angle in their calculations, leading to confusion regarding the trajectory's behavior. The correct approach involves applying trigonometric functions and kinematic equations to accurately compute the initial velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly tangent and inverse tangent
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations in physics
  • Ability to analyze parabolic trajectories
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the projectile motion equations
  • Learn how to apply trigonometric identities in physics problems
  • Explore the use of simulation tools for projectile motion analysis
  • Investigate the effects of air resistance on projectile trajectories
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Students studying physics, educators teaching projectile motion concepts, and anyone interested in solving real-world problems involving trajectories and initial velocities.

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a cannon is launched @ 30deg angle above the horizontal with an unknown velocity the projectile is observed to hit a vertical wall at a horizontal distance of 100.0m and it hits a height of 15.0m above the ground, find the initial velocity.

the following is what i did to solve it, but the fact that i didnt even use the 30deg at all throughout the solution has me second guessing my solution, so i was wondering if anyone could point out what i did wrong

any help is appreciated

thanks

http://desi.thriceshy.com/images/1440scan.jpg
 
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The height of the wall 15m divided by distance 100 m = 0.15 and tan-1 (0.15) = 8.53°, which means that the projectile is fired above that angle and therefore the projectile must be traveling downward in its parabolic trajectory.

Neglecting air resistance, the trajectory is parabolic, and one must find the function y(x) which describes the parabolic trajectory and find v which gives y=15 m at x=100 m.

Something like this - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/traj.html#tra8
 
Last edited:

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