Projectile problem (This is a quickie)

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In summary: W=mas is the combination of the two.In summary, the conversation revolved around a math problem involving a projectile with given momentum and kinetic energy. The expert summarizer explains the equations and units used in solving the problem, emphasizing the importance of committing these equations to memory.
  • #1
gcombina
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Hello, I need help on my basic math

This is the problem
A projectile is launches with 200kg.m/s of momentum and 1000 J of kinetic energy. What is the mass of the projectile.
(a) 20 kg

This is my math:

P = mv so
m = P/v
m = (200 kg.m/s)/v

KE = 1000 J
1000 J = 1/2 mv ^2
1000 J = 1/2 (mv) v
1000 J = 1/2 (200) v
v = 10 J

IF m = 200/v
m= (200 kg.m/s)/ (10 J)
m= (200 kg.m/s) / (10 NM)
m = (200 kg.m/s) / (10 ma.m)
m = (200 kg.m/s) / (10 kg.m/s.m)
m = (20/m) WHY IS THAT I HAVE THIS ANSWER?? 20/M? Instead of 20kg?
 
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  • #2
Both sides of every equation has units, including this one:
1000 J = 1/2 (200) v

You wrote v = 10 J
but v does not have units of Joules.
 
  • #3
gcombina said:
1000 J = 1/2 mv ^2
1000 J = 1/2 (mv) v
1000 J = 1/2 (200) v
v = 10 J
You forgot that the 200 has units of kg*m/s so when you divide Joules by kg*m/s you get m/s
So the answer is v=10 m/s

gcombina said:
m= (200 kg.m/s)/ (10 J)
m= (200 kg.m/s) / (10 NM)
m = (200 kg.m/s) / (10 ma.m)
m = (200 kg.m/s) / (10 kg.m/s.m)
m = (20/m) WHY IS THAT I HAVE THIS ANSWER?? 20/M? Instead of 20kg?

Now try it with 10 m/s instead of 10 J and see if it works out.
 
  • #4
when I divide J/(kg*m/s), I get m/s? how so??

isn't J = NM?

so it would be [(nm) / (kg*m/s )] ?
 
  • #5
gcombina said:
when I divide J/(kg*m/s), I get m/s? how so??

isn't J = NM?

so it would be [(nm) / (kg*m/s )] ?

Yes, and a Newton is [itex]kg*m/s^{2}[/itex] so a Joule is [itex]kg*m^{2}/s^{2}[/itex]
So divide [itex]kg*m^{2}/s^{2}[/itex] (Joules) by [itex]kg*m/s[/itex] and what do you get?
 
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  • #6
gcombina said:
when I divide J/(kg*m/s), I get m/s? how so??

isn't J = NM?

so it would be [(nm) / (kg*m/s )] ?
This is where mastery and easy recall of equations is important.

W=Fs
But F=ma

So W=mas
This tels you that the Joule is a kg m m / sec2
 
  • #7
@nascent Oxygen

I am sorry , I do not understand ...what is fs? what is mas?
 
  • #8
@nathaneal,
thanks!
 
  • #9
gcombina said:
@nascent Oxygen

I am sorry , I do not understand ...what is fs? what is mas?
These are equations you must commit to memory. They are your tools of trade.

W=F.s where F is force & s is displacement (both F and s are vectors).

F=m.a where F is force & a is acceleration (both a anf F are vectors).
 

FAQ: Projectile problem (This is a quickie)

What is a projectile?

A projectile is any object that is thrown or launched into the air and moves along a curved path under the influence of gravity.

What is the equation for projectile motion?

The equation for projectile motion is y = y0 + v0t + 1/2at2, where y is the vertical position, y0 is the initial vertical position, v0 is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration due to gravity, and t is time.

What is the difference between a projectile and a projectile problem?

A projectile is a physical object, while a projectile problem is a mathematical problem that involves analyzing the motion of a projectile using equations and principles of physics.

How do you solve a projectile problem?

To solve a projectile problem, you need to identify the initial conditions (such as initial position and velocity), determine the acceleration due to gravity, and use the appropriate equations to find the desired quantities, such as time of flight, maximum height, and range.

What are some real-life examples of projectile motion?

Some real-life examples of projectile motion include throwing a ball, shooting a basketball into a hoop, and launching a rocket into space.

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