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.
 

FAQ: Tracing parabolic motion with only current velocity and position?

What is parabolic motion?

Parabolic motion refers to the trajectory of an object that is subject to constant acceleration, such as gravity, and moves in a path described by a parabola. This type of motion is common in projectile motion where an object is launched into the air and follows a curved path under the influence of gravity.

How can I determine the initial velocity of a projectile given its current velocity and position?

To determine the initial velocity, you need to work backwards using the equations of motion. By knowing the current velocity and position, you can use the kinematic equations to solve for the initial velocity, taking into account the effects of gravitational acceleration on the projectile.

What equations are used to trace the path of a projectile?

The primary equations used to trace the path of a projectile are the kinematic equations. These include:1. \( x = x_0 + v_{x0}t \)2. \( y = y_0 + v_{y0}t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2 \)3. \( v_x = v_{x0} \)4. \( v_y = v_{y0} - gt \)where \( x \) and \( y \) are the horizontal and vertical positions, \( v_x \) and \( v_y \) are the horizontal and vertical velocities, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( t \) is time.

Can I trace the parabolic path without knowing the time of flight?

Yes, you can trace the parabolic path without explicitly knowing the time of flight by using the relationship between position and velocity. By expressing the equations of motion in a parametric form or eliminating time, you can derive the trajectory equation that relates the horizontal and vertical positions directly.

How do air resistance and other forces affect parabolic motion?

Air resistance and other forces such as wind can significantly alter the ideal parabolic trajectory of a projectile. These forces introduce additional accelerations that cause deviations from the simple parabolic path predicted by the kinematic equations. To account for these factors, more complex models and differential equations are required, often necessitating numerical methods for accurate predictions.

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