Are My Calculations for Tom the Cat's Projectile Motion Correct?

In summary, the problem involves Tom and Jerry on a table, with Tom sliding off the edge at 5m/s. Using the x= and y= equations, it can be determined that Tom will strike the floor at 2.7665m. The velocity components just before he hits are Vxo=5m/s and Vyo=5.42234m/s. The single vector, or resultant vector, is not needed for this problem.
  • #1
AznBoi
471
0
Here is a problem about projectile motion. I have the answer but I'm not sure if they are correct or not, please help check. Thanks!

Problem: Tom the cat is chasing Jerry the mouse across a table surface 1.5m above the floor. Jerry steps out of the way at the last second, and Tom slides off the edge of the table at a speed of 5m/s. Where will Tom strike the floor, and what velocity components will he have just before he hits?

My Answers:
x=2.7665m

used the x= and y= equations, easy.


Velocity components just before he hits:
Vxo=5m/s, because no accel. or force. Constant Velocity.
Vyo=9.8m/s^2 * time?
so 9.8m/s^2 * .5533s = 5.42234 m/s
Is that correctly done for the velocity component of Vyo??


Also, when it says find the velocity components just before he hits, does it mean to find Vxo and Vyo?? Do you need to find the resultant vector also? What I mean is the single vector that is Vxo and Vyo added together. I think the components just mean x and y right?
 
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  • #2
That's right.
 
  • #3
ok so I just need the x and y velocity components. ty:-p
 

FAQ: Are My Calculations for Tom the Cat's Projectile Motion Correct?

What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object through the air or space under the influence of gravity, where the only force acting on the object is its initial velocity.

What are the key components of a projectile motion problem?

The key components of a projectile motion problem are the initial velocity, the angle of projection, the time of flight, the horizontal and vertical displacements, and the acceleration due to gravity.

How do you find the horizontal and vertical components of a projectile's velocity?

The horizontal and vertical components of a projectile's velocity can be found using trigonometry. The horizontal component is equal to the initial velocity multiplied by the cosine of the angle of projection, while the vertical component is equal to the initial velocity multiplied by the sine of the angle of projection.

What is the formula for finding the range of a projectile?

The formula for finding the range of a projectile is R = (v2sin2θ)/g, where R is the range, v is the initial velocity, θ is the angle of projection, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

How does air resistance affect projectile motion?

Air resistance can affect projectile motion by reducing the range and increasing the time of flight due to the opposing force it exerts on the projectile. This can be taken into account by adjusting the initial velocity or using more complex equations that include air resistance.

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