What Calculations Determine the Volleyball's Trajectory in Projectile Motion?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the trajectory of a volleyball served at an angle, with key points including determining the launch angle (theta) and initial velocity (Vo) based on the ball's height and court dimensions. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the ball's maximum height and its relationship to the net and baseline. They debate methods for solving the equations of motion, with some suggesting a system of linear equations while others propose using quadratic equations. The impact of air resistance is considered, but it is noted that the problem assumes no air resistance. The conversation concludes with agreement on the necessity of correctly applying equations to find the desired parameters.
  • #31
verty said:
I believe Haruspex's method does not require one to differentiate at all which I think is much nicer.
That's very true, I still like more your method for that exact reason, that it involves derivatives!
 
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  • #32
Delta² said:
Not sure what you mean here, but I agree if you correctly treat the system , you can solve one quadratic equation and some linear equations and get the angle and the velocities.
You get two linear equations in which the unknowns are vy/vx and 1/vx2, vx and vy being the initial velocity components.
 
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  • #33
verty said:
Ok, I can see Haruspex's method is the one to use (for sure).
It is no different from your own method in post #21. For some reason I had not seen that when I wrote post #23. There can be quite a delay.
I get two equations instead of three merely by taking coordinates relative to the launch point.
 
  • #34
haruspex said:
It is no different from your own method in post #21. For some reason I had not seen that when I wrote post #23. There can be quite a delay.
I get two equations instead of three merely by taking coordinates relative to the launch point.

I meant working with the usual time formula. Solving those quadratics was not so difficult in this case.
 
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