Projectile Motion Time Calculation

  • Thread starter Destrio
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In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the time it takes for an object to return to its starting point after being fired up a frictionless ramp with an initial velocity of 35 m/s at a 65 degree angle to the horizontal. The person initially calculates a time of 6.5 seconds but realizes their mistake and uses F=ma and projectile motion equations to calculate a correct time of 7.88 seconds.
  • #1
Destrio
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Hey,
An object is fired up a frictionless ramp 65 degrees to the horizontal with an initial velocity of 35 m/s, how long does the object take to return to the starting point.

What I did was:

cos 23 * 35m/s = Vyo
Vyo = 31.72 m/s

Vf = Vo + at
0 m/s = 31/72 m/s + (9.8m/s^2)(t)
t = 3.24s

Then doubled time for down to equal: 6.5s

The answer in the key is 7.9s.
What did I do wrong here?

Thanks,
 
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  • #2
First thing I would do is draw a diagram. I would define a coordinate system in which the x-axis is parallel to the surface of the plane. That way all my calculations will deal with breaking components into the x-direction. Next I would use F=ma to calculate the acceleration of the object. Then apply projectile motion equations to calculate the time.
 
  • #3
I'm still getting 6.5s as an answer :/
 
  • #4
Starting with F=ma. The only force that is going to cause an acceleration is gravity (if we use the coordinate system I described).

F = ma
mgsin65 = ma
a = gsin65

Vf = Vi + at
0 = 35 m/s + (gsin65)t
t = 35/gsin65
multiply it by 2 to get whole time
t = 70/gsin65
t = 7.88 seconds.
 
  • #5
ah,
that makes sense now
thanks very much
 

FAQ: Projectile Motion Time Calculation

What is the difference between dynamics and kinematics?

Dynamics is the study of the forces and motion of objects, while kinematics is the study of the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion.

How do you calculate velocity in kinematics?

Velocity is the rate of change of an object's position. It can be calculated by dividing the change in position by the change in time, represented by the equation velocity = (final position - initial position) / time.

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed is a measure of how fast an object is moving, while velocity is a measure of both the speed and direction of an object's motion.

What is the difference between linear and angular kinematics?

Linear kinematics deals with the motion of objects in a straight line, while angular kinematics deals with the motion of objects in a rotational or circular path.

How does acceleration affect an object's motion in dynamics?

Acceleration is the rate of change of an object's velocity. In dynamics, acceleration can cause an object to speed up, slow down, or change direction.

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