Math Problem Statement
A projectile is launched from a cliff of height H. It is launched with an initial velocity v0 and angle 𝞱 above the horizontal. Answer the following in terms of given quantities (in bold) and fundamental constants (“g”).
What is its hangtime?
What is its horizontal range?
When will it be descending at a 45 degree angle?
Solution
Let's break down each part of the problem step by step.
1. Hangtime (Total time of flight)
The motion of the projectile can be split into two components: vertical and horizontal. To find the hangtime, we focus on the vertical motion.
The vertical position at any time is given by:
The projectile hits the ground when . Setting this equation to zero and solving for :
This is a quadratic equation in :
Solving for using the quadratic formula:
Simplifying:
Since time must be positive, we choose the positive root:
This is the total hangtime.
2. Horizontal Range
The horizontal range is the horizontal distance the projectile covers during its entire flight.
The horizontal position at any time is given by:
The total range occurs when hangtime (calculated in the previous part). Therefore:
This is the horizontal range.
3. When will it be descending at a 45-degree angle?
At a 45-degree angle of descent, the vertical and horizontal components of the velocity will be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction (since it's descending).
The vertical velocity at any time is:
The horizontal velocity remains constant throughout the flight:
At a 45-degree angle of descent, . Therefore:
Solving for :
This gives the time when the projectile is descending at a 45-degree angle.
Summary of Answers:
-
Hangtime:
-
Horizontal Range:
-
Time when descending at 45 degrees:
Would you like more details on any part of this solution or any clarifications? Here are five questions you can explore further:
- How does the height of the cliff affect the hangtime?
- What would the horizontal range be if the launch angle was zero?
- How
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Projectile Motion
Quadratic Equations
Trigonometry
Formulas
Quadratic formula: ax^2 + bx + c = 0
Vertical position equation: y(t) = H + v_0 sin(𝞱) t - (1/2) g t^2
Horizontal position equation: x(t) = v_0 cos(𝞱) t
Vertical velocity equation: v_y(t) = v_0 sin(𝞱) - g t
Horizontal velocity: v_x = v_0 cos(𝞱)
Theorems
Quadratic Formula
Kinematic Equations for Projectile Motion
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12
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