Projectile Motion - Initial velocity

In summary, the problem involves a child running down a hill at a 20 degree angle and jumping up at a 20 degree angle above the horizontal. The child lands 2.2m down the hill. The goal is to find the child's initial velocity. The attempt at a solution involves using the equations for the path of the child and the slope to find the point where they intersect, which will give an equation with V_0 and the distance x. Solving this equation will give the child's initial velocity.
  • #1
airi
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1. The problem statement
A child runs down a hill with an angle of 20 degrees and then jumps up at a 20 degree angle above the horizontal. He lands 2.2m down the hill as measured along the hill. What is the child's initial velocity?


The Attempt at a Solution


Okay, I'm not even sure if I have my initial measurements right. This is a projectile problem right? With initial velocity unknown and a 40 degree angle (measured against the ground).

So, first I tried to find the time needed using Vxf=Vx0 + at.
-V0sin40 = Vosin40 - 9.8t
t= 2Vosin40/9.8

Then, i plug that into the Dy=Vy*t
2.2=(Vcos40)(2Vosin40 / 9.8)
10.78 = v^2 * cos40sin40
v=4.68m/s

I tried that answer, but it isn;t correct. What am i doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
This is not the same problem as a projectile problem with a 40 degree launch angle.
The horizontal speed is V_0 cos(20) and not V_0 cos (40) for example.

you need to find equations for the path of the child and for the slope and combine them
to find out where he lands

Find x, and y as a function of t for the child. (use x(t) = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2)

find y as a function of x for the child.

find y as a function of x for the slope.

The child will land if these functions have the same value.
you get an equation with V_0 and x in it, which you can solve for V_0
 
  • #3


I would like to first clarify the problem statement. It seems that the child is initially running down a hill at a 20 degree angle, then jumps up at a 20 degree angle above the horizontal. However, the distance of 2.2m down the hill is not clear as to whether it is measured along the hill or straight down. It would also be helpful to know the mass of the child and the duration of the jump.

Assuming that the 2.2m distance is measured straight down, we can use the equations of projectile motion to solve for the initial velocity. First, we need to find the time the child spends in the air, which can be calculated using the equation d=V0t + 1/2at^2, where d is the distance (2.2m), V0 is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8m/s^2), and t is the time. Solving for t, we get t = 0.66 seconds.

Next, we can use the vertical component of the initial velocity (V0y) to find the initial velocity. Using the equation Vfy = V0y - gt, where Vfy is the final vertical velocity (0m/s), V0y is the initial vertical velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8m/s^2), and t is the time (0.66 seconds), we can solve for V0y. V0y = 6.47m/s.

Finally, we can use the horizontal component of the initial velocity (V0x) to find the initial velocity. Using the equation Vfx = V0x + at, where Vfx is the final horizontal velocity (V0x), V0x is the initial horizontal velocity, a is the acceleration (0m/s^2), and t is the time (0.66 seconds), we can solve for V0x. V0x = 4.68m/s.

Therefore, the initial velocity of the child is 4.68m/s at an angle of 20 degrees above the horizontal. However, it is important to note that this solution is based on the assumptions made about the problem statement. If there are any discrepancies or missing information, the solution may vary. It is always important to thoroughly understand the problem and its parameters before attempting to solve it.
 

FAQ: Projectile Motion - Initial velocity

What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object through the air that is affected by gravity. It occurs when an object is launched with an initial velocity and moves under the force of gravity alone.

What is initial velocity?

Initial velocity is the speed and direction at which an object is launched. It is the starting point for determining the motion of a projectile and is often denoted by the symbol "v0".

How does initial velocity affect projectile motion?

The initial velocity of a projectile determines the speed and direction of its motion. A higher initial velocity will result in a longer and higher trajectory, while a lower initial velocity will result in a shorter and lower trajectory.

How is initial velocity calculated?

Initial velocity can be calculated using the formula v0=v0x+v0y, where v0x represents the horizontal component of the initial velocity and v0y represents the vertical component of the initial velocity.

Can initial velocity be changed during projectile motion?

No, initial velocity cannot be changed during projectile motion unless an external force is applied. Once an object is launched, its initial velocity remains constant and it will continue to move in a parabolic path until it reaches the ground or experiences a change in direction due to an external force.

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