Throwing a Javelin (Projectile Motion)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves projectile motion, specifically the scenario of an athlete throwing a javelin while running. The original poster seeks to determine how far the javelin can be thrown when the thrower is in motion, given specific parameters about the throw and the runner's speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the initial velocity and optimal angle for throwing the javelin while running, using a range formula and calculus to find the maximum range.
  • Some participants question the assumption of the optimal angle for maximum range, suggesting that the angle may need to be adjusted when the thrower is in motion.
  • Others discuss the implications of the runner's horizontal velocity on the vertical component of the throw, raising questions about the relationship between the angles and velocities involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some have provided insights into the relationship between the throw angle and the runner's speed, while others are attempting to reconcile their calculations with the expected results. There is no explicit consensus on the correct angle or method yet.

Contextual Notes

The problem does not specify the angle at which the javelin is thrown from a standing position, leading to various assumptions and interpretations among participants. Additionally, the lack of clarity regarding the relationship between horizontal and vertical velocities is a point of contention.

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Homework Statement



An athlete can throw a javelin 60m from a standing position. If he can run 100m at constant velocity in 10s, how far could he hope to throw the javelin while running? Neglect air resistance and the height of the thrower in the interest of simplicity.


Homework Equations



I've found the range to be R(θ) = 2 v0/g sinθ (v0 cosθ + vr)
where v0 is the initial velocity and vr is the velocity of the thrower's initial run.

The Attempt at a Solution



Given the above equation and the premise that the thrower can throw 60m from standing, I solved for v0 using vr=0, R=60, g=9.8, and θ=45° as that is the ideal throwing angle from standing. I found v0 = √(60g).

Next I tried to find the ideal angle to throw at when vr = 10 m/s. I did this by taking solving R'(θ)=0 where R'(θ) is the derivative of the range formula. I found:
R'(θ) = c v0²/2 cos2θ + c vr cosθ = 0 where c = 2 v0/g.

This yielded the equation v0 cos2θ = -vr cosθ. Using an identity for cos2θ, I obtained the following quadratic equation:
2 cos²θ + d cosθ -1 = 0 where d = vr/v0 = 10/√(60g).

Solving for θ I got θ = 0.65 rads = 37°. The book, however, lists 52.3° as the angle, and therefore gets a different value of R than I do. I'm not sure where I went wrong with my logic.
 
Last edited:
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I haven't look through the detail yet, but assuming that the runner/thrower throws at the same angle as when standing, the runner's velocity adds to the vx of the javelin, but does not contribute to the vertical velocity.

Make sure the correct angle is calculated for the range (60 m) of the throw from stationary position.
 
That's kind of what's tying me up. The problem stated nothing about the initial angle thrown, so I made the assumption that the thrower threw at the angle to maximize range. From standstill that's pi/4, and with some added vr, I presumed the ideal angle would change and sought to calculate it and use it to calculate the final range.
 
Okay, so after thinking about this, I've realized the angle clearly should be greater than [tex]45^\circ[/tex]. This is because the [tex]v_x[/tex] is greater than the [tex]v_y[/tex] when the thrower is running. That being the case, he must throw at a greater angle so that the effective angle thrown at is [tex]45^\circ[/tex]. Provided that reasoning correct, I have, for maximum range:

[tex]v_{0x} = v_{oy}[/tex]
[tex]\Downarrow[/tex]
[tex]v_0 \sin\theta = v_0 \cos\theta + v_r[/tex]
[tex]\Downarrow[/tex]
[tex]\sin\theta - \cos\theta = \frac{v_r}{v_0}[/tex]

Squaring both sides gives

[tex]\sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta - 2\sin\theta\cos\theta = \frac{v_r^2}{v_0^2}[/tex]
[tex]\Downarrow[/tex]
[tex]\sin2\theta = -\frac{v^2_r}{v^2_0}[/tex]

However, when I solve that I don't get the angle of [tex]52.3^\circ[/tex] (I get something ludicrous like [tex]-10^\circ[/tex]). Was my reasoning incorrect?

Also, when I take

[tex]R = \frac{2v_0}{g}(v_0 \cos\theta + v_r) \sin\theta[/tex]

and solve R' = 0 I get [tex]35^\circ[/tex] as the solution. Where am I going wrong here?
 
Last edited:

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