Tracing parabolic motion with only current velocity and position?

In summary, your method of tracing the trajectory of an object uses its velocity and position, both of which are given as components. However, as the vertical velocity decreases due to gravity, the max height also changes, which it doesn't in reality.
  • #1
question_asker
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TL;DR Summary
Using only the current component-wise velocity and position, the trajectory of a projectile needs to be found. The object may change velocity mid flight, an the trajectory should reflect any changes.
Is it possible to trace the trajectory of an object using only its velocity and position, both of which are given as components. My method of doing so involves using the time until max height is reached, and using that time value to calculate the max height itself (h,k), then plugging in the current point to find the constant a in the equation y=a(x-h^2) +k. I used the following equations, but noticed that as the vertical velocity decreased due to gravity, the max height also changes which it doesn't in reality. I am now wondering if what I'm trying to do is possible or not.

$$time_{max} = \frac{v_{y}}{g}\space \space(1)$$
$$x_{max} = x_{current} + v_{x} * time_{max}\space \space(2)$$
$$y_{max} = y_{current} + \frac{{v_{y}}^2}{2a}\space \space(3)$$
$$parabola: a(x-x_{max})^2 + y_{max}\space \space(4)$$
 
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  • #2
question_asker said:
I used the following equations, but noticed that as the vertical velocity decreased due to gravity, the max height also changes which it doesn't in reality.
You are using the remaining climb time to max height which does decrease, and so does the remaining height.
 
  • #3
Obviously you think about the initial-value problem for motion under the influence of the contant gravitational force of the Earth on a point particle. Just solve the equations of motion, which is very simple:
$$m \ddot{\vec{x}}=m \vec{g} \; \Rightarrow \; \ddot{\vec{x}}=\vec{g}=\text{const}.$$
This is to be solved, assuming the initial condition: ##\vec{v}(0)=\vec{v}_0## and ##\vec{x}(0)=\vec{x}_0##.

Integration the EoM once, using this initial condition gives
$$\int_0^{t} \mathrm{d} t' \ddot{\vec{x}}(t')=\dot{\vec{x}}(t)-\dot{\vec{x}}(0)=\dot{\vec{t}}-\vec{v}_0 = \int_0^t \mathrm{d} t' \vec{g}=g t.$$
So you get
$$\dot{\vec{x}}(t)=\vec{v}_0+\vec{g} t.$$
Integrating once more wrt. time in the analogous way, you finally get the solution
$$\vec{x}(t)=\vec{x}_0 + \vec{v}_0 t + \frac{1}{2} \vec{g} t^2.$$
Of course, now you can use this to figure out all kinds of different representations of this solution and analyze its properties.
 

1. How do you calculate the initial velocity of a parabolic motion with only current velocity and position?

The initial velocity can be calculated by using the formula: v0 = v - gt, where v is the current velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and t is the time elapsed since the initial position.

2. Can you trace the entire path of a parabolic motion with only current velocity and position?

No, it is not possible to trace the entire path of a parabolic motion with only current velocity and position. This is because the acceleration due to gravity constantly changes the velocity and position of the object, making it difficult to accurately predict the entire path.

3. How does the angle of projection affect the parabolic motion?

The angle of projection affects the parabolic motion by determining the initial velocity and direction of the object. A higher angle of projection will result in a longer horizontal distance traveled, while a lower angle will result in a shorter horizontal distance but a higher maximum height.

4. Can you determine the maximum height of a parabolic motion with only current velocity and position?

Yes, the maximum height can be determined by using the formula: h = v02 / 2g, where v0 is the initial velocity and g is the acceleration due to gravity. This will give the maximum vertical displacement of the object.

5. How does air resistance affect the parabolic motion of an object?

Air resistance can affect the parabolic motion of an object by slowing down its horizontal velocity, causing it to travel a shorter distance. This can also affect the maximum height and the overall shape of the parabola. However, air resistance is usually negligible in most cases of parabolic motion.

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