Velocity problem determining x and y components

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem where an object is thrown at a 30° angle and travels 100 m horizontally before returning to its initial height. Participants are tasked with determining the x and y components of the initial velocity while neglecting air resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationships between the components of velocity and the equations of motion, questioning how to derive the time of flight and the expressions for the range. There is also a focus on the implications of the angle of projection on the velocity components.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various participants offering equations and relationships to explore. Some participants are questioning the assumptions made regarding time and the initial velocity vector, while others are attempting to clarify the relationships between the components of velocity and the overall motion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the time variable in the equations of motion, which may affect their ability to solve for the velocity components. The problem context emphasizes the neglect of air resistance, which is a common assumption in projectile motion problems.

brandon133
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An object undergoing parabolic motion travels 100 m in the horizontal direction before returning to its initial height. If the object is thrown initially at a 30° angle, determine the x component and the y component of the initial velocity. (Neglect any effects due to air resistance.)

I am not sure how to go about solving... I got an initial vector from the throw but I don't think it can be the initial velocity vector since I have no judgment of time.. could someone show me the process of solving this?
 
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If we let "[itex]v_x[/itex]" and "[itex]v_y[/itex]" be the components of velocity in the x and y directions, respectively, then [itex]x= v_xt[/itex] and [itex]y= -4.9t^2+ v_yt[/itex] so we have [itex]y= -4.9t^2+ v_yt= 0[/itex] (the projectile hits the ground) and [itex]x= v_xt= 100[/itex] (the projectile hits the groud after 100 m). The fact that "the object is thrown initially at a 30° angle" means that [itex]v_y/v_x= tan(30)[/itex]. That gives you three equations to solve for the three values, t, [itex]v_x[/itex], and [itex]v_y[/itex].
 
If vsinθ is the y component of the velocity, what is the time the projectile takes to return to its Initial height?
If vcosθ is the x component of the velocity, what is the expression for the range x?
 
brandon133 said:
An object undergoing parabolic motion travels 100 m in the horizontal direction before returning to its initial height. If the object is thrown initially at a 30° angle, determine the x component and the y component of the initial velocity. (Neglect any effects due to air resistance.)

I am not sure how to go about solving... I got an initial vector from the throw but I don't think it can be the initial velocity vector since I have no judgment of time.. could someone show me the process of solving this?

The time taken for the object to travel horizontally 10m is equal to the time taken from launching up and back to same level.

It is a single body, at same place(different x and y coordinates) and at same time.
 

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