Projectile Motion two golf balls

In summary, the figures show the paths of two golf balls, A and B, with different launch angles and distances. In the first figure, both balls have the same vertical distance and therefore spend the same amount of time in the air, while Ball B has a greater horizontal distance and launch speed. In the second figure, Ball B has a greater vertical distance and spends more time in the air, resulting in a faster launch speed. This demonstrates the independence of the horizontal and vertical components in determining launch speed. Overall, Ball A spends less time in the air and has a smaller launch speed than Ball B in both figures.
  • #1
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1. I just want to make sure I understand the concept correctly and that I have provided the correct explanation and understanding...therefore the image of the problem is not important

"Figures 1 and 2 show the paths followed by two golf balls, A and B. In each figure, does Ball A spend more/the same/less time in the air than Ball B? In each figure, does Ball A have a greater/the same/smaller launch speed than Ball B?"




2. d=1/2gt^2 and d=vt



3. In the first figure, Ball A and Ball B are launched at different angles but the vertical components of the angles result in the same angle distance. If we recall from the text, a 60 degree and a 30 degree angle components result in the same vertical distance which is a similar analogy to the example in figure 1. While the horizontal distance of Ball B is greater, only the vertical distances of both balls depend on the time in the air. Therefore, both balls spend identical times in the air and you demonstrated this perfectly with the 1/2gt^2 distance equation.

In the second figure, the vertical components of the angles do not result in the appropriate angles as in the previous example which resulted in the identical time of both balls in the air. This time, the vertical distance of Ball B is greater and therefore Ball B is in the air longer than Ball A. You again demonstrated how this fits into the equation 1/2gt^2 for the distance equation.

To figure out the launch speed, we only need to rely on the horizontal component of the angles as the horizontal component is independent and free of the vertical component. They work within their independent components rather being paired together. This is a vital concept to remember (the independence of the horizontal and vertical components). In the first figure, the horizontal distance of Ball B was demonstrated and can be seen by the image provided as Ball B travels a greater distance than Ball A. This greater horizontal distance infers in the faster launch speed for Ball B which you again neatly provide by the equation d=vt.

In the second figure, both balls land at the same spot and therefore have the same horizontal distance. Since the horizontal and vertical angles are independent of each other; the longer time in the air for Ball B would result in a faster launch speed for Ball B because as you stated, the greater height needs to be compensated. Ball A falls to the ground faster which results in the lower launch speed for Ball A.
 
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  • #2
Therefore, for both figures, Ball A spends less time in the air and has a smaller launch speed than Ball B.
 

Related to Projectile Motion two golf balls

What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the movement of an object through the air under the influence of gravity. It follows a curved path known as a parabola.

How does the mass of a golf ball affect its projectile motion?

The mass of a golf ball does not affect its projectile motion. All objects, regardless of their mass, will fall at the same rate due to gravity. However, a heavier golf ball may travel slightly farther due to its increased inertia.

How does air resistance affect the trajectory of two golf balls?

Air resistance can affect the trajectory of two golf balls by slowing down their horizontal velocity. This means that the golf balls with more surface area, such as a dimpled golf ball, will experience more air resistance and have a shorter range compared to a smooth golf ball.

What factors influence the range of two golf balls?

The range of two golf balls can be influenced by factors such as initial velocity, angle of launch, air resistance, and surface area. A higher initial velocity and a lower angle of launch will result in a longer range. However, air resistance and surface area can decrease the range of the golf balls.

How is the trajectory of two golf balls affected by the force of gravity?

The force of gravity affects the trajectory of two golf balls by pulling them downward towards the ground. This causes the golf balls to follow a curved path rather than a straight line. The greater the force of gravity, the steeper the curve of the trajectory will be.

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