Horizontal Projectile Motion Problem

In summary, the mountain climber jumps a crevasse with a horizontal speed v_{o} and lands at an angle \Theta below the horizontal. The height difference between the two sides of the crevasse can be found using the formula h = 0.5gt^2, where t = x\sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}} and x is the horizontal distance traveled by the climber. However, since no values are given for x or t, a specific solution cannot be obtained. It is important to solve the vertical and horizontal components of the problem separately.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A mountain climber jumps a crevasse by leaping horizontally with speed [tex]v_{o}[/tex]. If the climber's direction of motion on landing is [tex]\Theta[/tex] below the horizontal, what is the height difference [tex]h[/tex] between the two sides of the crevasse?


Homework Equations


[tex]x=v_{o}t[/tex]
[tex]v_{x}=v_{o}[/tex]
[tex]y = h - \frac{1}{2}gt^{2}[/tex]
[tex]v_{y}= -gt[/tex]
[tex]v_{y}^{2} = -2g\Delta y[/tex]
[tex]y = h - (\frac{g}{2v_{0}^{2}})x^{2}[/tex]
[tex]x = v_{o}\sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I started off by drawing the following diagram:
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/2616/physicss.jpg

Afterwards, I used the formula [tex]y = h - \frac{1}{2}gt^{2}[/tex] to solve for [tex]h[/tex], and I ended up with [tex]h=\frac{1}{2}gt^{2}[/tex]. I then used the formulas [tex]x=v_{o}t[/tex] and [tex]x = v_{o}\sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}}[/tex] to come up with the formula [tex]t = x\sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}}[/tex]. I then substituted this formula into [tex]y = h - \frac{1}{2}gt^{2}[/tex], made [tex]y=0[/tex] and simplified the equation until I got [tex]x=1[/tex]. So, now I know what the [tex]x[/tex] value is when [tex]y=0[/tex]. The problem is I'm stuck right here and don't know how to find the height. Can someone point me in the right direction please?
 
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  • #2
You can't get a particular solution since you arent given any values. So h = 0.5gt^2 is correct.

Remember when dealing with these types of questions to work out the vertical and horizontal probelms seperately. The climber could have jumped 1m or 500m horizontally, but it wouldn't have changed how long he would have been in the air for nor the height of the crevasse.
 
  • #3
Idyllic said:
You can't get a particular solution since you arent given any values. So h = 0.5gt^2 is correct.

Remember when dealing with these types of questions to work out the vertical and horizontal probelms seperately. The climber could have jumped 1m or 500m horizontally, but it wouldn't have changed how long he would have been in the air for nor the height of the crevasse.

So I shouldn't specify an x value in my answer?
 

FAQ: Horizontal Projectile Motion Problem

What is horizontal projectile motion?

Horizontal projectile motion is a type of motion where an object moves horizontally while also experiencing the effects of gravity. This means that the object will follow a curved path, known as a parabola, due to the constant acceleration of gravity.

What are the key variables in a horizontal projectile motion problem?

The key variables in a horizontal projectile motion problem are the initial velocity, the initial height, the acceleration due to gravity, and the time it takes for the object to travel a certain distance. These variables are used to calculate the object's position and velocity at any given time.

How do you calculate the range of a projectile in horizontal motion?

The range of a projectile in horizontal motion can be calculated using the equation R = V0 * t, where R is the range, V0 is the initial velocity, and t is the time of flight. This assumes that there is no air resistance and the object is launched from ground level.

How does the angle of projection affect the horizontal motion of a projectile?

The angle of projection affects the horizontal motion of a projectile by determining the initial velocity in the x-direction. The greater the angle, the greater the initial velocity in the x-direction, which results in a longer range. However, the angle also affects the vertical motion of the projectile, causing it to reach a greater height before falling back to the ground.

How do you solve a horizontal projectile motion problem?

To solve a horizontal projectile motion problem, you first need to identify the key variables and any given information. Then, use the equations of motion to calculate the object's position and velocity at different points in time. Finally, use the calculated values to answer the specific questions in the problem, such as the range or time of flight.

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