The discussion centers on calculating the trajectory of a volleyball served from a height of 0.9 meters at an angle theta. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding projectile motion equations, particularly under the assumption of no air resistance. Key points include determining the initial velocity (Vo) and the angle (theta) using known distances and the height of the net. The conversation highlights the necessity of using a parabolic equation to model the ball's path accurately, with specific coordinates provided for calculations.
PREREQUISITESPhysics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of projectile motion, particularly in sports contexts like volleyball.
That's very true, I still like more your method for that exact reason, that it involves derivatives!verty said:I believe Haruspex's method does not require one to differentiate at all which I think is much nicer.
You get two linear equations in which the unknowns are vy/vx and 1/vx2, vx and vy being the initial velocity components.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.
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.verty said:Ok, I can see Haruspex's method is the one to use (for sure).
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.