Supposedly easy physics problem =( [projectile]

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The discussion revolves around solving a projectile motion problem involving a launch angle of 60 degrees and an initial velocity of 4 m/s. Participants calculate various parameters, including the y-coordinate of the target, time to impact, and components of velocity before impact. Confusion arises regarding the correct time of flight and the use of appropriate equations for vertical motion, with some participants mistakenly using initial velocities instead of final ones. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding acceleration and the relationship between vertical and horizontal components of motion. Ultimately, the focus is on correctly applying physics equations to derive the final velocity and angle just before impact.
  • #31
akshajkadaveru said:
HOLY MOLY...in all honesty.. am i over complicating this ?
Quite possibly.
 
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  • #32
so for D... i already have the x y values and the angle right? so now i just have to plot them or something >
 
  • #33
akshajkadaveru said:
so for D... i already have the x y values and the angle right? so now i just have to plot them or something >
Plot them if you wish, but to answer the question you should use algebra and calculation.
If the horizontal and vertical velocities are u and v respectively, what is the overall speed, and what is the angle of it?
 
  • #34
i know how to find the angle.. but how do i find the overall speed... is that by the pythagorean theorem and i plot that based on what i got for the V0x and v0y?
 
  • #35
akshajkadaveru said:
overall speed... is that by the pythagorean theorem
Yes.
 
  • #36
2^2+3.46^2=15.97
sqrt(15.97)
3.99 m/s
tan^-1(3.46/2)= 59.97 degrees
3.99m/s @ 59.97 degrees'
 
  • #37
akshajkadaveru said:
2^2+3.46^2=15.97
sqrt(15.97)
3.99 m/s
tan^-1(3.46/2)= 59.97 degrees
3.99m/s @ 59.97 degrees'
You've used the initial vertical velocity. As a result, you've recalculated the initial angle and overall speed.
Use the vertical velocity when it hits the target.
 
  • #38
ARGHGHGHH! so what i JUST did was wrong but what will my X and Y value things be then ?
 
  • #39
akshajkadaveru said:
ARGHGHGHH! so what i JUST did was wrong but what will my X and Y value things be then ?
You posted the correct final vertical velocity in post #27. Just use that instead of 3.46 in your calculation in post #36.
 
  • #40
i didn't post anything on 27
 
  • #41
akshajkadaveru said:
i didn't post anything on 27
I meant 28.
 
  • #42
so is it... 1^2+1.44^2=whatever
sqrt(whatever)= ______ @ tan^-1(1.44/1)?

will that be my answer?
 
  • #43
akshajkadaveru said:
so is it... 1^2+1.44^2=whatever
sqrt(whatever)= ______ @ tan^-1(1.44/1)?

will that be my answer?
Where are you getting 1m/s from for the x direction?
 
  • #44
oh... i thought that't just the length of how far the thing went... how do i get that then >?
 
  • #45
akshajkadaveru said:
oh... i thought that't just the length of how far the thing went... how do i get that then >?
No, you can't add a velocity to a length, or a velocity-squared to a length-squared. It makes no sense.
To apply the arctan formula and Pythagoras, you need two things of the same type at right angles - both lengths, or both velocities, or both accelerations...

What is the initial horizontal velocity? What is the horizontal acceleration? So what is the final horizontal velocity?
 

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