Calculating the Minimum Velocity of a Pygmy Blowgun Dart

In summary, Pygmies use blow-guns and 15 gram (0.015 kg) darts dipped in the poison curare to immobilize and kill monkeys in their forest home. To effectively pierce a monkey's skin, a dart must be moving at 4m/s. If a pygmy at ground level blows a dart at a 85 degree angle towards a monkey 35 meters above, what is the minimum velocity the dart must be moving as it leaves the blow-gun? The solution to this problem involves using delta KE to find the minimum velocity, and considering the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy.
  • #1
LezardValeth
13
0
Pygmies use blow-guns and 15 gram (0.015 kg) darts dipped in the poison curare to immobilize and kill monkeys that live in the tree-top canopy of their forest home. Assume a pygmy at ground level blows a dark at 85 degrees (relative to the horizontal) at a monkey that is 35 vertical meters up. Assuming a dart must be moving at 4m/s to effectively pierce a monkey skin, what is the minimum velocity the dart must be moving as it leaves the blow-gun if it is to pierce the monkey?

now I know that Ill have to use delta KE to find the minimum velocity but I am not quite sure what to do with the vertical height and the degrees
 
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  • #2
I moved this post to a new thread ; don't hijack threads of other posters for your own homework problems ; start a new thread.

Also, provide some work on it before we help...
 
  • #3
In problems like this, what can you say about the relationship between KE and PE?
 

Related to Calculating the Minimum Velocity of a Pygmy Blowgun Dart

1. How is the minimum velocity of a pygmy blowgun dart calculated?

The minimum velocity of a pygmy blowgun dart is calculated by using the formula v = √(2gh), where v is the minimum velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and h is the distance between the blowgun and the target.

2. What is a pygmy blowgun dart made of?

Pygmy blowgun darts are typically made of lightweight materials such as bamboo, reed, or thin metal rods. The tip is usually sharpened and can be coated with poison for hunting purposes.

3. What factors can affect the minimum velocity of a pygmy blowgun dart?

The minimum velocity of a pygmy blowgun dart can be affected by factors such as the weight and shape of the dart, the force applied by the user, and any external factors such as wind or humidity.

4. Is calculating the minimum velocity of a pygmy blowgun dart necessary?

Calculating the minimum velocity of a pygmy blowgun dart is important for ensuring accuracy and effectiveness when using the blowgun for hunting or target practice. It can also help determine the appropriate distance and angle for aiming.

5. Can the minimum velocity of a pygmy blowgun dart be increased?

Yes, the minimum velocity of a pygmy blowgun dart can be increased by using a longer blowgun, using a lighter and more aerodynamic dart, or by exerting more force when blowing into the blowgun. However, it is important to stay within a safe range to avoid damaging the blowgun or causing harm to oneself or others.

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