I need a formula for Height equals length of arc.

In summary, to find the angle needed to fire a projectile so that its height is equal to the length of its arc, you can use equations of motion to determine the parabolic path of the projectile. However, the height attained will never be equal to the length of the arc, except for when the projectile is fired vertically. This information may be found in an attachment.
  • #1
SPiZ
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How do I find out what angle to fire a projectile so that the height it attains is equiv to the length of its arc? Whats a general formula? Assume the projectile is "fired" from ground level. Say, from a pea shooter or a sling shot.
 
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  • #2
The projectile will travel in a parabola.

You use the eqns of motion to give eqns for movement in the x- and y-directions.
Eliminate t (time) from the two eqns to leave an eqn with y in terms of x, i.e. y=f(x) - which will be a parabola.

For the length of the curve look here.
 
  • #3
Where would sin theta = cos theta? Wouldn't that give me the answer?
 
  • #4
Wait a minute. I've just realized what you're asking for.
It's never going to happen

By "length of arc", you did mean the length of it's path, S, yes ?

If you look at the attachment, The height attained, h, will never be equal to S.
The nearest it comes is when the projectile is fired straight up vertically, in which case you wiil get h = (1/2)S.
In all other cases h will be an even smaller fraction.

Did you copy down the question correctly ?

Where is this question from ?
 

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FAQ: I need a formula for Height equals length of arc.

What is the formula for height equals length of arc?

The formula for height equals length of arc is h = r(1 - cosθ), where h is the height, r is the radius of the circle, and θ is the central angle in radians.

How do I calculate the height of an arc?

To calculate the height of an arc, use the formula h = r(1 - cosθ), where h is the height, r is the radius of the circle, and θ is the central angle in radians.

Can this formula be used for any type of arc?

Yes, this formula can be used for any type of arc as long as the central angle is given in radians and the radius of the circle is known.

How is this formula derived?

This formula is derived from the Pythagorean theorem, where the height is the difference between the radius and the chord length, and the chord length is calculated using the central angle and the radius.

Are there any limitations to using this formula?

The only limitation to using this formula is that the central angle must be given in radians. If it is given in degrees, it must be converted to radians before using the formula.

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