Time of flight of a projectile

In summary: The equation must be wrong. In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of various parameters for a projectile fired from the ground at an angle of 30 degrees with a speed of 200m/s, assuming linear air resistance. The parameters include the time of flight, horizontal distance traveled, and maximum height reached. The equations Vx=Vocosα and Vy=Vosinα-gt are used, and the equation for the projectile's path is determined to be Y=Tanαx-gX^2/2VO^2(Cosα)^2. However, there is uncertainty about the accuracy of the equation due to a potential error involving the angle variable.
  • #1
CmbkG
10
0

Homework Statement


A projectile of mass m is fired from the ground with a speed of 200m/s at an angle to the ground of 30 degrees. Assuming that the air resistance is linear, given by -mλv where v is the projectile's velocity and λ=0.1 s^-1, then find (taking g=10m.s^-2)

(a)the time of flight (time till it hits the ground again)
(b)the horizontal distance travelled
(c)the maximum height reached during the motion

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Vx = Vo cosα
Vy = Vo sinα - gt

X = Xo + Vocosαt
Y = Yo + V0sinαt - gt^2/2

Suppose the particle is launched from the origin:

Xo=Yo=0

therefore: X = Vo cos αt
Y = Vo sinαt - gt^2/2

Eliminating t: t=X/VoCosα

Substitute into Y: Y=Tanαx - gX^2/2VO^2(Cosα)^2

Hence: 0=Tan(30X) - 10X^2/2(200)^2(Cos(30))^2

=Tan(30X) - 10X^2/60000
 
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  • #2


CmbkG said:

Homework Statement


A projectile of mass m is fired from the ground with a speed of 200m/s at an angle to the ground of 30 degrees. Assuming that the air resistance is linear, given by -mλv where v is the projectile's velocity and λ=0.1 s^-1, then find (taking g=10m.s^-2)

(a)the time of flight (time till it hits the ground again)
(b)the horizontal distance travelled
(c)the maximum height reached during the motion

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Vx = Vo cosα
Vy = Vo sinα - gt

X = Xo + Vocosαt
Y = Yo + V0sinαt - gt^2/2

Suppose the particle is launched from the origin:

Xo=Yo=0

therefore: X = Vo cos αt
Y = Vo sinαt - gt^2/2

Eliminating t: t=X/VoCosα

Substitute into Y: Y=Tanαx - gX^2/2VO^2(Cosα)^2

Hence: 0=Tan(30X) - 10X^2/2(200)^2(Cos(30))^2

=Tan(30X) - 10X^2/60000
The angle is "a" so the coefficients are cos a and sin a, "Tanax" means "Tan(a) x", not "Tan(ax)".
 

What is the time of flight of a projectile?

The time of flight of a projectile is the amount of time it takes for a projectile to travel from its initial position to its final position. It is a measure of the duration of the projectile's flight.

How is the time of flight of a projectile calculated?

The time of flight of a projectile can be calculated using the equation t = 2v₀sinθ/g, where t is the time of flight, v₀ is the initial velocity, θ is the angle of launch, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Does the mass of a projectile affect its time of flight?

No, the mass of a projectile does not affect its time of flight. The time of flight is only dependent on the initial velocity, angle of launch, and acceleration due to gravity.

What factors can impact the time of flight of a projectile?

The time of flight of a projectile can be impacted by air resistance, wind, and the height of the launch point. These factors can alter the trajectory and thus affect the time of flight.

Can the time of flight of a projectile be greater than the time it takes to reach its maximum height?

Yes, the time of flight of a projectile can be greater than the time it takes to reach its maximum height. This can happen if the launch angle is greater than 45 degrees or if there is air resistance slowing down the projectile.

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