Understanding Projectiles (Example Problem Given)

  • Thread starter Thread starter smashbrohamme
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Projectiles
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving projectile motion problems, specifically a scenario where a golfer aims to hit a ball 130 meters horizontally and 20 meters vertically from a tee-off point that is 10 meters above the landing spot. The participant utilizes three kinematic equations: S = vt + 1/2at², V = Vo + at, and V² = Vo² + 2as, but expresses difficulty in determining the initial velocity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of breaking down the problem into horizontal and vertical components and suggests that multiple solutions exist depending on the launch angle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations in physics
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Familiarity with projectile motion concepts
  • Ability to create and interpret diagrams for physics problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of kinematic equations in projectile motion scenarios
  • Learn how to resolve projectile motion into horizontal and vertical components
  • Explore the impact of launch angles on projectile trajectories
  • Practice solving similar projectile motion problems using real-world examples
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching projectile motion, and anyone seeking to improve their problem-solving skills in kinematics.

smashbrohamme
Messages
97
Reaction score
1
I don't know how to tackle projectiles and would like to have someone sort of show me what you look for in projectiles and how you normally tackle projectile problems.

The golfer wants to hit the ball the same horizontal distance of 130M and 20M above his tee-off point as in Problem 10-32, but in this case, the tee-off point is 10M above the landing spot of the ball. What is the ball's initial velocity.

*10-32 just states the same problem but doesn't have a 10M tee-off point*


Im using the 3 kinematic formulas.

S= volt + 1/2at²
V=Vo + at
V²=Vo² + 2as

I just don't know where to begin other then to draw a diagram. I understand somewhere in this problem I must use trig functions cos, sin but I am seriously stuck here..How do you guys normally tackle these projectile problems...break it down like I am a 1st grader!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I have yet to see one that doesn't yield to the basic high school approach.
Make two headings for HORIZONTAL and VERTICAL. Under horizontal, write d = vt. Under vertical write V = Vi + at and d = Vi*t + .5*a*t².
Usually you only use two of the equations, but you don't know in advance which two, so you put the knowns into all three and then take a look. Sometimes you have to solve two of them as a system of equations.

In this particular example, there appear to be an infinite number of solutions. If you shoot at 45 degrees, there is a speed v1 that works. If you shoot a little lower or higher, a slightly larger speed is needed. And so on.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K