What is this equation called? Can it work Horizontially as well?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical equation related to projectile motion, specifically its application in determining the time it takes for a projectile to land. Participants explore whether the equation can be adapted for horizontal motion as well as vertical motion.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an equation, -16t² + Tv₀ + Th₀, and questions its applicability for horizontal motion.
  • Another participant corrects the equation to h(t) = -16t² + v₀t + h₀, emphasizing that it describes vertical motion and clarifying the roles of the variables involved.
  • A participant questions whether gravity affects horizontal motion, implying a distinction between vertical and horizontal forces.
  • Another participant notes that the formula is valid only within a specific system of units, suggesting that it may not apply universally.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the equation and its applicability to horizontal motion. There is no consensus on whether a horizontal version of the equation exists or how it would be formulated.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations in the equation's formulation, including the need for clarity on variable definitions and the specific system of units applicable to the equation.

Tyrion101
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In my most recent math class one of the equations we had to know was -16t2+Tv0+Th0, I may have put the little letters out of order, but that is the basic formula, it has to do with figuring how long it will take something to land, the H being the point at which the projectile was fired/thrown from. I was playing angry birds, and thought it might work sideways as well as vertically? Basically I guess I'm asking if this isn't a horizontal equation, what would it be?
 
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Tyrion101 said:
In my most recent math class one of the equations we had to know was -16t2+Tv0+Th0
1. This is NOT an equation. An equation always has the = symbol between two expressions.
2. Your formula is incorrect. It should be h(t) = -16t2 + v0t + h0. There is no time factor with the h0 term, and you shouldn't write both t and T for the same thing. The letter t is usually used to indicate time.

This function gives the height at time t, of an object thrown with an initial velocity of v0 from an initial height of h0.
Tyrion101 said:
, I may have put the little letters out of order, but that is the basic formula, it has to do with figuring how long it will take something to land, the H being the point at which the projectile was fired/thrown from. I was playing angry birds, and thought it might work sideways as well as vertically? Basically I guess I'm asking if this isn't a horizontal equation, what would it be?
The function above is strictly the vertical position at a given time. The -16t2 term is the clue there.

To find the position of a ball thrown horizontally or at some angle from the horizontal, you have to break up the velocity vector into its vertical and horizontal components.
 
Gravity does not pull horizontally, does it?
 
And you should be aware that the formula holds true only for one system of units. (Hint: it's not the metric system)
 

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