To determine the larger of the two angles at which Samantha can shoot the basketball, we can use the physics of projectile motion. Here's a step-by-step approach:

Given:

• Initial speed ($v_0$): 58.1 ft/s
• Horizontal distance to the hoop ($d$): 48.5 ft
• Height of the hoop ($h$): 10 ft
• Initial height of the ball ($h_0$): 6.3 ft
• Smaller angle ($\theta_1$): 18.4 degrees

Equations of Projectile Motion:

1. Horizontal motion: $d = v_0 \cdot \cos(\theta) \cdot t$

2. Vertical motion: $h = h_0 + v_0 \cdot \sin(\theta) \cdot t - \frac{1}{2} g t^2$

Where:

• $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity ($32.2 \, \text{ft/s}^2$).
• $\theta$ is the launch angle.
• $t$ is the time of flight.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Find time of flight ($t$) in terms of $\theta$: Using the horizontal motion equation: $t = \frac{d}{v_0 \cos(\theta)}$

2. Substitute $t$ into the vertical motion equation: $h = h_0 + v_0 \sin(\theta) \left(\frac{d}{v_0 \cos(\theta)}\right) - \frac{1}{2} g \left(\frac{d}{v_0 \cos(\theta)}\right)^2$

3. Simplify the equation: $10 = 6.3 + 48.5 \tan(\theta) - \frac{16.1 \times (48.5)^2}{(58.1)^2 \cos^2(\theta)}$

4. Solve for $\theta$: This equation needs to be solved numerically for the unknown angle $\theta$. Given the smaller angle is 18.4 degrees, we solve for the larger angle using the trigonometric identity for projectiles. The two angles are complementary in terms of their tangent functions: $\theta_2 = 90^\circ - \theta_1$.

The equation involves a trigonometric function ($\tan(\theta)$ and $\cos^2(\theta)$), which is typically solved numerically. However, because we know the complementary nature of projectile angles:

$\theta_2 = 90^\circ - \theta_1$

Plugging the known smaller angle:

$\theta_2 = 90^\circ - 18.4^\circ = 71.6^\circ$

Thus, the larger angle at which Samantha can shoot the basketball is approximately 71.6 degrees.

Would you like a detailed breakdown of each step, or do you have any questions?

Related Questions:

1. How would the angles change if Samantha were closer to or further from the hoop?
2. What would be the effect of a different initial speed on the shooting angles?
3. How does the difference in initial height of the ball affect the angles?
4. How can you calculate the time of flight for each angle?
5. What happens if the hoop height is increased or decreased?

Tip: Always ensure the units for speed, distance, and acceleration are consistent when applying physics equations.