Solving Ten-Pin Bowling Physics with Proportional Signs

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the physics of ten-pin bowling, specifically calculating the trajectory of a bowling ball released at 3.5 m/s and 15 degrees above the horizontal. Key calculations include determining the x and y components of velocity, maximum height, time of flight, and distance traveled down the lane. The impact of increasing the ball's mass by 20% on acceleration and initial velocity is also explored, with the application of Newton's second law (F=ma) to derive new values for these parameters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with projectile motion equations.
  • Knowledge of trigonometry for resolving velocity components.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations to solve for unknowns.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of projectile motion equations in physics.
  • Learn how to apply Newton's second law (F=ma) in various scenarios.
  • Explore the effects of mass on acceleration in different physical contexts.
  • Practice solving problems involving changes in initial conditions and their impact on motion.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for novice physicists, students studying mechanics, and anyone interested in the practical applications of physics in sports, particularly bowling.

moobs93
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i know this is really simple, but I'm not very good at working with proportional signs..

a novice ten-pin bowler, slightly "lofts" the ball (releases it too late and lifts it into the air so that it crashes to the ground. If the ball was released with a velocity of 3.5 m/s at an angle of 15 degrees above the horizontal, calculate:

a) the x and y components
b) the maximum height achieved by the ball
c) the time flight of the ball
d) how far down the lane the ball lands, measured from the release point
e) all of the above again, if the ball was 20% heavier

so i got the (a)-(d) taking the original mass as m. and started (e) by assuming the second mass would be (m+0.2m) and that the force applied by the bowler on the ball, would remain constant so the acceleration would change in proportion to the mass change of an additional 20%

my first question is; how do you represent the decrease in acceleration mathematically?
using F=ma, where m is now m(1+0.2)
my belly-flop attempt:
F=ma
a=K/m (where K is the constant force)
so mass is inversely proportional to the acceleration
does that mean the new acceleration is a(1-0.2) or am i completely off it?

and my second question is, how do you calculate the new initial velocity from the new acceleration? or rather, how do you calculate the time it takes to reach the maximum height (highest vertical displacement) using the new value for acceleration? which i can then use to solve for the new initial velocity

once i have that i can finish the question myself
thanks heaps
 
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moobs93 said:
i know this is really simple, but I'm not very good at working with proportional signs..

a novice ten-pin bowler, slightly "lofts" the ball (releases it too late and lifts it into the air so that it crashes to the ground. If the ball was released with a velocity of 3.5 m/s at an angle of 15 degrees above the horizontal, calculate:

a) the x and y components
b) the maximum height achieved by the ball
c) the time flight of the ball
d) how far down the lane the ball lands, measured from the release point
e) all of the above again, if the ball was 20% heavier

so i got the (a)-(d) taking the original mass as m. and started (e) by assuming the second mass would be (m+0.2m) and that the force applied by the bowler on the ball, would remain constant so the acceleration would change in proportion to the mass change of an additional 20%

my first question is; how do you represent the decrease in acceleration mathematically?
using F=ma, where m is now m(1+0.2)
my belly-flop attempt:
F=ma
a=K/m (where K is the constant force)
so mass is inversely proportional to the acceleration
does that mean the new acceleration is a(1-0.2) or am i completely off it?

and my second question is, how do you calculate the new initial velocity from the new acceleration? or rather, how do you calculate the time it takes to reach the maximum height (highest vertical displacement) using the new value for acceleration? which i can then use to solve for the new initial velocity

once i have that i can finish the question myself
thanks heaps

Welcome to physics forums.

I interpret the question to mean the same given initial conditions apply (3.5 m/s at 15° to the horizontal), and the ball is 20% heavier.
 

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