Can a Football Kicker Make a 40m Field Goal at 45°?

  • Thread starter kool_guy
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Field
In summary, a football kicker is attempting to make a field goal from a distance of 40 metres away. However, the ball must follow a trajectory that will make it hit the ground at a point 50 metres away. The question is whether the player, with a maximum contact speed of 20 m/s and an angle of 45 degrees, will be able to make the field goal. After calculating the time it takes for the ball to go up and down, it is determined that the answer is no. The distance traveled by the ball is only 40.816 metres, which is not long enough to make the field goal.
  • #1
kool_guy
1
0
hello,
can someone please help me with this question

A football kicker is attempting to kick a field goal. He is 40 metres away form the goal posts, but must kick the ball so that it follows a trajectory that makes teh ball hit the ground (end zone) at a point of 50 metres away.
(a) If the player can achieve a maximum contact speed of 20 m/sat an angle of 45 degrees, will he make the field goal?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Originally posted by kool_guy
hello,
can someone please help me with this question

A football kicker is attempting to kick a field goal. He is 40 metres away form the goal posts, but must kick the ball so that it follows a trajectory that makes teh ball hit the ground (end zone) at a point of 50 metres away.
(a) If the player can achieve a maximum contact speed of 20 m/sat an angle of 45 degrees, will he make the field goal?
The answer that I calculate was no. First, to calculate the time it takes to go up and down. Assuming the ball goes up from x=0, v_o in the y direction will be 20sin45. We know that v_o going up will be the velocity going down when it comes down and crosses the same height so v_o+at=v 20sin45-9.8t=-20sin45 t=-40sin(45)/.9.8 t=2.886 or so
From this, you simply do d=vt d=2.886*20cos45 and see that the answer is only 40.816, which is not long enough.
 

FAQ: Can a Football Kicker Make a 40m Field Goal at 45°?

1. Can a football kicker make a 40m field goal at a 45° angle in a real game situation?

The answer to this question depends on various factors such as the skill level of the kicker, weather conditions, and the type of football being used. In perfect conditions with a skilled kicker and the right equipment, it is possible for a football kicker to make a 40m field goal at a 45° angle. However, in a real game situation, it is unlikely to happen frequently as there are many variables that can affect the trajectory of the ball.

2. How does the angle of the kick affect the distance a football can travel?

The angle of the kick plays a significant role in determining the distance a football can travel. A higher kick with a steeper angle will result in a shorter distance while a lower kick with a flatter angle can result in a longer distance. This is because the angle affects the lift and trajectory of the ball, which ultimately determines its range.

3. What is the optimum angle for a football field goal?

The optimum angle for a football field goal depends on various factors such as the distance from the goal, wind speed and direction, and the skill of the kicker. Generally, a lower angle (around 30°) is more effective for shorter field goals, while a higher angle (around 45°) is better for longer field goals. However, the optimal angle may vary for each kicker and can be determined through practice and experience.

4. Can a football be kicked at a 45° angle without a tee?

Yes, a football can be kicked at a 45° angle without a tee. In fact, most professional kickers do not use a tee for field goals. They instead kick the ball directly off the ground, which requires more skill and precision. Using a tee may provide a slight advantage in terms of accuracy, but it is not necessary for a successful 45° field goal kick.

5. How does air resistance affect a football kicked at a 45° angle?

Air resistance, or drag force, affects the distance a football can travel when kicked at a 45° angle. As the ball moves through the air, it experiences resistance from the surrounding air molecules. This force can slow down the ball and reduce its range. Therefore, a higher kick with a steeper angle may be more effective in overcoming air resistance and achieving a longer field goal.

Back
Top