Variable Problem for 2D Kinematics

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a scenario in 2D kinematics where an extreme sportsman jumps horizontally from one cliff to another, with a specified width and height difference. The objective is to determine the initial horizontal velocity required to successfully make the jump without missing the target cliff, as well as to find the direction of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss determining the time of flight using kinematic equations and equating it to the horizontal distance traveled. There are attempts to derive the initial velocity and the angle of motion based on vertical and horizontal components.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on equating time and using trigonometric ratios to find the direction of motion. There is acknowledgment of correctness in certain calculations, but questions remain regarding the interpretation of results and simplification of variables.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the implications of negative signs in the equations and the physical interpretation of the angle of motion. There is also mention of potential oversight in calculations, indicating a need for careful review of assumptions and definitions used in the problem.

apoptosis
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Here's another variable problem

Homework Statement


An extreme sportsman jumps from one cliff to another of width (w) by leaping horizontally by vo. With a height difference of h (where the starting cliff is higher) what is vo so he doesn't miss the cliff? (also, what is the direction of motion)


Homework Equations


xo=0
x=w, y=0
vox=0
ax=0

voy=0
ay=-g
yo=h


The Attempt at a Solution


Determine time of landing:
0=y=h-(1/2)gt^{2}
t=\sqrt{2h/g}

Determine vo:
x=volt
vo=xo/t=x\sqrt{g/2h}
vo=w\sqrt{9.81/2h}

does this look correct so far?

I'm stuck at finding the direction of motion, i know the equation is:
\vartheta=tan^{-1}vy/vx
vy=-gt=\sqrt{2hg}

=tan^{-1}\sqrt{2hg}/(w\sqrt{g/2h})
=tan^{-1} (2h/w) degrees of the horizontal component

but, I'm not sure if this is exactly right...
 
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apoptosis said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Determine time of landing:
0=y=h-(1/2)gt^{2}
t=\sqrt{2h/g}
OK.

How much time does he take to cross a horz dist of w, if he starts off with a horz velo of v0? Equate that time with the time you have got.

The final dircn is given by tan(theta) = vy/vx, at that point.
 
Thank you for your response.
I was wondering if you could please elaborate on your post.
My work is in my original post where i substituted time into the volt equation. Is this what you meant by equating time with the time that i have? (not quite sure what you mean)

also, i have used that tan ratio for direction of motion. does my resultl look reasonable? or is there a way i can simplify the variables?
 
The time to make the jump: Solve for t in: h = ½*g*t^2.
And then solve for v0 in: s = v0*t.

For the direction, just make the two values an vector, and determine the angle.
 
apoptosis said:
Determine vo:
x=volt
vo=xo/t=x\sqrt{g/2h}
vo=w\sqrt{9.81/2h}

does this look correct so far?

It is absolutely correct. Somehow, I overloked this part. Sorry for that.

I'm stuck at finding the direction of motion, i know the equation is:
\vartheta=tan^{-1}vy/vx
vy=-gt=\sqrt{2hg}

Where's the minus sign of (-gt) gone? The value is OK. The direction is given by tan(theta) = -2h/w, where theta is the angle the velo makes with the x-axis, that is, the direction of v0. Since the body is moving downward and to the right, the angle is negative.
 

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