What is the optimal angle for maximum range in projectile motion?

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The optimal angle for maximum range in projectile motion is 45 degrees, as derived from the equation R = (v^2 sin 2θ) / g. In the discussion, a golfer hits a ball at a speed of 30.3 m/s, and the problem involves calculating the time the ball spends in the air and the maximum distance it can travel without rolling. The participant struggles with the equations and concepts, particularly in determining the time of flight and the correct angle for maximum range. The height of the ball is zero at landing, confirming the need for a 45-degree launch angle for optimal distance. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving projectile motion problems effectively.
Sesner09
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Hello, I am having trouble with the question below..

1. A golfer imparts a speed of 30.3 m/s to a ball, and it travels the maximum possible distance before landing on the green. The tee and the green are at the same elevation. A) How much time does the ball spend in the air? b) what is the longest "hole in one" the golfer can make if the ball doesn't roll?



2. right triangle, T=(Vo-V)/g, for b i know the eqn is x= Vx*t


3. i made a right triangle with the right angle on the bottom right. i made the hypotenuse 30.3 m/s. I believe the equation to find time is T=(Vo-V)/g. How would i find the time?

thank you
 
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y=y_0 +v_y t -\frac{1}{2}gt^2


at what angle must the golfer hit the ball to get the maximum range?
 
it doesn't give an angle, would y(the height) be 0 since it is not changing elevation?
 
Sesner09 said:
it doesn't give an angle, would y(the height) be 0 since it is not changing elevation?

yes it would so your equation is y=vyt-(1/2)gt2 and you want to find when y=0

also it said it hit it to the maximum range, so there is only one angle the max range can be achieved, do you know what this angle is?
 
the only angle it gives is 90°, so 90?, i got 90 from the triangle that i drew..
the problem that i keep running into is that i get 0=30.3 m/s(t) - (1/2)(-10 m/s^2)(t^2)... and that gives me t=0
 
Last edited:
Sesner09 said:
the only angle it gives is 90°, so 90?, i got 90 from the triangle that i drew..
the problem that i keep running into is that i get 0=30.3 m/s(t) - (1/2)(-10 m/s^2)(t^2)... and that gives me t=0

if the range is given by

R=\frac{v^2 sin 2\theta}{g}

for what angle is R maximum for?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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