Is My Kinematic Solution for a Basketball Shot Correct?

  • Thread starter Chazz569
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In summary, the problem being discussed is about finding the initial speed at which a player needs to throw a ball at a 45 degree angle in order for it to go into a net that is 4m away and 1m up. The formula used is D=v1*t+1/2*a*t^2 and the equations for X and Y are given. The answer obtained is 7.22957m/s, which is also confirmed by another user. However, another user suggests taking the time of flight and using it to calculate the velocity in the x direction and then solving for the velocity in the y direction. It is also noted that the value for gravity should be taken as positive.
  • #1
Chazz569
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I'm working on this problem and I've came up with a solution but however I couldn't find anything else to verify the problem so if you could let me know if I did it correctly and help me on the right track what would be super.

The problem goes as folllow: A player is shooting a ball into a net, he shooting with a 45 degree angle and is 4m away from the net and the net is one meter up. How fast must he throw the ball for it to go in (initial speed).

I used the equation: D=v1*t+1/2*a*t^2 and split it into X and Y which gives me these equations:
Y: 1=v1*t+1/2*(-9.8)*t^2 (we allways assume -9.8m/s^2 for gravity)
X: 4=v1*t+1/2* (0) *t^2
and solved it gived me 5.11 m/s but since that the X/Y speed we want the longest line of the triangle so I do
Cos(45)=5.11208/x
x=7.22957m/s
So my answer would be 7.22957m/s

Is this correct or I am way off?
 
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  • #2
[tex] x(t) = V_0cos(45)t [/tex]
[tex] y(t) = V_0sin(45)t + \frac{gt^2}{2} [/tex]

You want x(t) to be 4
and y(t) to be 1

You should get a system of equations which you solve for V_0. Your answer seems a bit high.
 
  • #3
The second formula should be :

[tex] y(t) = V_0sin(45)t - \frac{gt^2}{2} [/tex]

because the y-axis is pointing upwards and gravity is downwards

marlon
 
  • #4
What I would probably do is calculate your time of flight. You are traveling 4m right and 1m up.

[tex] T_{flight} = sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}} [/tex] from the equation you provided.

Then take the time of flight, divide the distance traveled in the x direction by it and you'll get [tex] V_x [/tex]
 
  • #5
Hey thanks for you help. I used the equations and I got 7.22957m/s as well so I'm guessing it's safe to assume I got the right answer? Thanks for your help, it's really nice to have resources like this forums to get some help :)

edit: I just saw your last reply whozum, give me time to check with your equations as well and I'll get back to you guy with the answer I get.

edit2: Sorry but what does the h stand for in that equation? I'm guessing the G stand for gravity which in my case would be -9.8m/s
 
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  • #6
h is the height to travel, h=1m

For V in the x direction

[tex] T = sqrt{2h/g} = sqrt{2/9.8} = 0.452 [/tex]

[tex] d = 4m, t = 0.452s, v = d/t [/tex]

[tex] v_x = \frac{4m}{0.452s} = 8.85m/s [/tex]

For V in the y direction

[tex] y(t) = V_ysin(45)t+\frac{gt^2}{2} [/tex]

Solving for V_y:

[tex] V_y = \frac{1-\frac{gt^2}{2}}{sin(45)t} [/tex]

[tex] V_y = \frac{1-\frac{(-9.8)(0.452)^2}{2}}{sin(45)(0.452)} [/tex]

[tex] V^2 = V_x^2+V_y^2 [/tex]
 
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  • #7
Well that's gives me the Sqrt of -.204082 which is a non-real number.
 
  • #8
Take g to be positive 9.8 instead of -9.8. Look at my work above.
 

FAQ: Is My Kinematic Solution for a Basketball Shot Correct?

What is a kinematic problem?

A kinematic problem is a type of physics problem that involves the analysis of motion without taking into account the forces that cause the motion. This typically involves determining the position, velocity, and acceleration of an object over time using equations and principles from kinematics.

How do you verify a kinematic problem?

To verify a kinematic problem, you must first identify the known and unknown variables and then use equations of motion to solve for the unknown variables. Once you have obtained a solution, you can check it by plugging the values back into the original equations and ensuring that they satisfy the given conditions.

What are the common mistakes when solving kinematic problems?

Some common mistakes when solving kinematic problems include using the wrong equations or formulas, misinterpreting the given information, and incorrect unit conversions. It is also important to double-check your calculations and ensure that they are accurate.

How do you approach a difficult kinematic problem?

When faced with a difficult kinematic problem, it is important to break it down into smaller, more manageable parts. Identify the known and unknown variables, choose the appropriate equations, and solve for the unknowns one step at a time. It may also be helpful to draw diagrams or graphs to visualize the problem.

Can kinematic problems be solved graphically?

Yes, kinematic problems can be solved graphically by plotting the given data on a position-time, velocity-time, or acceleration-time graph. The slope of the graph can then be used to determine the velocity or acceleration, and the area under the curve can be used to determine the displacement. This method can be particularly useful for problems with non-constant acceleration.

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