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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem involving a golfer hitting a ball at a speed of 30.3 m/s to achieve maximum range. The scenario specifies that the tee and the green are at the same elevation, prompting questions about the optimal angle for maximum distance and the time the ball spends in the air.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the angle of projection and the range of the projectile, with some attempting to derive equations related to time and distance. Questions arise regarding the height of the ball at maximum range and the implications of the given speed and angle.

Discussion Status

Several participants are exploring the equations of motion and the conditions for maximum range. There is a focus on the angle needed for optimal distance, with some suggesting that the angle is critical to solving the problem. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct angle or approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not specify an angle and question whether the height remains constant throughout the motion. The discussion includes references to the equations of motion and the implications of the given parameters.

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?
 

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