Finding initial speed given two angles and a distance

In summary: Using the equation y = yo+ Vyo*t - 1/2gt^2 and simplifying, we can solve for Vo. In summary, using the equations for projectile motion, the initial speed of the child can be calculated by setting the final vertical position to zero, the initial vertical position to 0.229, and solving for the initial speed.
  • #1
heyhowsitgoin
4
0

Homework Statement



A child runs down a 11 degree hill and then suddenly jumps upward at a 16degree angle above the horizontal and lands 1.2 m down the hill as measured along the hill

What was the child's initial speed?

Homework Equations



Projectile motion

x = Vx*t

y = yo + Vyo*t - 1/2gt^2

The Attempt at a Solution



tried solving for time t from the vertical motion equation y = yo+ Vyo*t - 1/2gt^2 and plug it in the
x = vx*t..but it doesn't work
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi heyhowsitgoin
Welcome to PF.
If you draw the figure of inclined plane and the landing of the child, you can see that
y = 1.2*sin11.
t = x/vx = 1.2*cos11/vo*cos16
vyo = vo*sin16.
Substitute these values in the equation and solve for vo.
 
  • #3
Hi thanks for the reply. Which equation are you referring to solve for vo?
 
  • #4
heyhowsitgoin said:
Hi thanks for the reply. Which equation are you referring to solve for vo?

y = yo+ Vyo*t - 1/2gt^2
 
  • #5
hrmm ok

so i end up with 0.229 = 0 + Vo*sin16 (1.2*cos11 / Vo*cos16) - 1/2(9.8)(1.2*cos11/Vo*cos16)^2

is this right? not sure how to solve for Vo at this point.
 
  • #6
It is right. Now simplify everything. And solve for Vo.
 
  • #7
Hello,

I was looking at this question and was not able to isolate Vo in the final equation. I ended up with a negative number under a square root...
Any suggestions on how to correctly isolate Vo?
 
  • #8
heyhowsitgoin said:
hrmm ok

so i end up with 0.229 = 0 + Vo*sin16 (1.2*cos11 / Vo*cos16) - 1/2(9.8)(1.2*cos11/Vo*cos16)^2

is this right? not sure how to solve for Vo at this point.
In the equation final position y is zero, and initial position yo is 0.229
 

FAQ: Finding initial speed given two angles and a distance

How do I find the initial speed if I have two angles and a distance?

The initial speed can be found using the formula:
v = √(d * g) / sin(2θ)
Where v is the initial speed, d is the distance, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle between the initial and final velocity vectors.

Can I use this formula for any type of projectile motion?

Yes, this formula can be used for any projectile motion where the initial and final velocity vectors are at different angles.

What is the unit of measurement for initial speed?

The unit of measurement for initial speed is meters per second (m/s).

Can I use this formula if the projectile is affected by air resistance?

No, this formula assumes there is no air resistance. If air resistance is present, the formula will need to be adjusted to include the drag force.

How accurate is this formula for finding initial speed?

This formula is fairly accurate for most situations, but it may not account for all factors such as air resistance, wind, or surface friction. Other factors may also affect the accuracy of the calculation, such as human error in measuring the angles and distance.

Back
Top