Path of a projectile from a cannon

In summary, the lab group fired a cannon at 12 degrees and calculated Vo, Delta x, and Delta y. Delta x was 2.07 meters, Delta y was 0.87 meters, and Vo was 4.11 meters.
  • #1
kLPantera
43
0

Homework Statement



Part 1

We fired a cannon 0 degrees to the horizontal line and had to calculate Vo. We then measured Delta x and Delta Y.

Part 2

We were then given a degree in which to fire the cannon at, which was 12 degrees. We then had to calculate the projectile's path through 3 rings and then hit a target.

We we used were what we got from part 2 (Vo, Delta x, and Delta y).

Data:
Delta y = -0.87m (from a counter top to the ground)

Calculated Data:

Vix = 4.02 m/s
Viy = 0.85 m/s
Vo = 4.11 m/s

Known Data:

ax = 0 (we are operating under the scenario that there is no air resistance)
ay = -9.8 m/s2

Homework Equations



Delta y = Viyt + (1/2)gt2
Delta x = Vixt + (1/2)at2
Vfy = Viy + gt
Theta = tan-1 = (Viy/Vix)

The Attempt at a Solution




First I calculated time:

Delta y = Viyt + (1/2)gt2
-0.87 = (0.85)t + (1/2)(-9.8)t2
t = 0.5163 seconds ( I used quadratic formula)

Second I calculated Delta x:

Delta x = Vixt + (1/2)at2
Delta x = (4.02)(0.5153)
Delta x = 2.07

There are three rings placed at equal intervals throughout Delta x so:

x1 = 0.5175(ring 1)
x2 = 1.035 (ring 2)
x3 = 1.5525 (ring 3)
x4 = 2.07 (target)

Time to reach each target:

Ring 1: 0.129075 seconds
Ring 2: 0.25815 seconds
Ring 3: 0.387225 seconds
Target: 0.5163 seconds

Height of each ring:

Delta Y1 = (0.86)(0.129075) + (1/2)(-9.8)(0.129075)2 + 0.87 = 0.898
Delta Y2 = (0.86)(0.25815) + (1/2)(-9.8)(0.25815)2 + 0.87 = 0.76
Delta Y3 = (0.86)(0.387225) + (1/2)(-9.8)(0.387225)2 + 0.87 = 0.464
Delta Y4 = (0.86)(0.5163) + (1/2)(-9.8)(0.5163)2 + 0.87 = 0.008

Angle For Each Ring:

Ring 1: Vy = (-9.8)(0.129075) + 0.85 = -0.41493
theta = tan-1 = (0.41493/4.02) = 5.89 degrees

Ring 2: Vy = (-9.8)(0.25185) + 0.85 = -1.67987
theta = tan-1(1.67987/4.02) = 22.67 degrees

Ring 3: Vy = (-9.8)(0.387225) + 0.85 = -2.944805
theta = tan-1(2.944/4.02) = 36.21 degrees

--------------------------------------------------------------

With these calculations my lab group and I attempted to shoot through Ring 2 and hit the target. Our ring 2 fell short of the projectile, however the projectile still hti the target close to the bullseye. We also have to shoot through ring 3.

Could someone help?

Much Appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Is there a specified distance from the cannon for each of the 3 rings?
 
  • #3
Also, what were [itex]\Delta[/tex]X and [itex]\Delta[/tex]Y for the projectile when fired at 0 degrees?
 
  • #4
Fired at 0 degrees:

Delta x:

For 1 click: 1.28 meters
For 2 clicks: 1.68 meters
For 3 clicks: 2.28 meters

Note* clicks means how much we compressed the spring within the cannon

Delta y = 0.87 meters

Each of the three rings are set at equal intervals of 1/4 of delta x.
 
  • #5
kLPantera said:
Calculated Data:

Vix = 4.02 m/s
Viy = 0.85 m/s
Vo = 4.11 m/s

How did you come up with these values?
(This appears to be the beginning of your problems).
 
Last edited:
  • #6
kLPantera said:
Fired at 0 degrees:

Delta x:

For 1 click: 1.28 meters
For 2 clicks: 1.68 meters
For 3 clicks: 2.28 meters

Note* clicks means how much we compressed the spring within the cannon

Delta y = 0.87 meters

Each of the three rings are set at equal intervals of 1/4 of delta x.
How many clicks did you use when you fired the cannon at 12[itex]^\circ[/tex]?
 
  • #7
kLPantera said:
Second I calculated Delta x:

Delta x = Vixt + (1/2)at2
Delta x = (4.02)(0.5153)
Delta x = 2.07
...but you already calculated [itex]\Delta[/tex]x:

kLPantera said:
Fired at 0 degrees:

Delta x:

For 1 click: 1.28 meters
For 2 clicks: 1.68 meters
For 3 clicks: 2.28 meters
 
  • #8
First we fired at 0 degrees, which we then used to find Vo

Vix and Viy were found after he gave us the angle of degree to fire it at.

For Delta x we had a Delta x for when it was 0 degrees. We then were given an angle to fire at. We have to find the Delta x for when it will be fired at 12 degrees.

We used 2 clicks when firing at 12 degrees.
 
  • #9
So, for 2 clicks at 0[itex]^\circ[/tex], you had a [itex]\Delta[/tex]x of 1.68 meters.
Also, at 0 degrees, Viy is 0 m/s
Therefore, using [itex]\Delta y = V_{iy} t + \frac{1}{2}a_y t^2[/tex], we get
[itex]-0.87 = \frac{1}{2}(-9.8)t^2[/tex]
Solving for t, we get 0.421 sec.

Now, using [itex]\Delta x = V_{ix} t[/tex], we get (for 2 clicks):
[itex]1.68 = V_{ix} (0.421)[/tex]
Solving for [itex]V_{ix}[/tex], we get 3.99 m/s

Therefore [itex]{V_o}^2 = {V_{iy}}^2 + {V_{ix}}^2[/tex] and, thus [itex]V_o[/tex] = 3.99 m/s


Use this value of [itex]V_o[/tex] for any angle of projection using 2 clicks.
 
  • #10
Thanks again!
 

FAQ: Path of a projectile from a cannon

1. What is the path of a projectile from a cannon?

The path of a projectile from a cannon is a curved trajectory that is influenced by gravity and air resistance. It follows a parabolic shape, with the highest point being the apex of the curve.

2. How does the angle of the cannon affect the path of the projectile?

The angle of the cannon determines the initial velocity and direction of the projectile. A higher angle will result in a longer flight time and a greater distance, while a lower angle will result in a shorter flight time and a shorter distance.

3. What factors affect the path of a projectile from a cannon?

The main factors that affect the path of a projectile from a cannon are the initial velocity, angle of the cannon, air resistance, and gravity. Other factors such as wind speed and direction can also have an impact on the trajectory.

4. How does air resistance affect the path of a projectile from a cannon?

Air resistance, also known as drag, can slow down the projectile and affect its trajectory. The amount of air resistance depends on the shape and size of the projectile, as well as the density and speed of the air.

5. Can the path of a projectile from a cannon be predicted?

Yes, the path of a projectile from a cannon can be predicted using mathematical equations and formulas, taking into account the initial conditions and environmental factors. However, slight variations may occur due to unpredictable factors such as wind gusts.

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