Supposedly easy physics problem =( [projectile]

In summary,a projectile with an initial velocity of 4 m/s hits a target at a distance of 1.0 m in the horizontal direction. The y coordinate of the target is .51 meters. It takes .5 seconds for the projectile to hit the target.
  • #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'
 
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  • #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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