- #1
Duhvelopment
- 3
- 0
Homework Statement
We're assigned to build a ramp that launches our ball as high as possible. For now we're not taking any friction into account.
Max height: 120cm
Image:
http://i.imgur.com/4DmX0mZ.png
Homework Equations
v = g * t
Ep = m x* g * h
Ek = (1/2) * m * v^2
The Attempt at a Solution
We decided that the best way to approach this would be to construct a cane like shape, where the ball wouldn't be exposed to friction and would be essentially in a "free-fall". After that the ball will enter a half-circle like shape, where-after it will launch back into the air under an angle of 90 degrees. We're trying to find the best possible radius of our arc. When we make our arc too small, too much energy will be lost in the movement translation, and when we make the arc too big, the ball will experience a lot more friction so it won't reach the maximum height. We're not asking for exact solutions but more like guidelines and formulas we could use to calculate the equilibrium.