Complex Projectile Motion question. Algebra help needed

In summary, the problem involves finding the initial speed of a cow fired from a medieval catapult at an angle of 37.0 degrees above the horizontal. The cow travels a horizontal distance of 1375 m and lands in a depression 39 m below its starting position. Using the equations for horizontal and vertical distance, the equation for time of flight is derived and then substituted into the equation for vertical distance. The final step involves solving for the initial speed, which can be done using a graphing calculator or by substituting values and following order of operations.
  • #1
DeerHunter
6
0

Homework Statement


A cow, with a mass of 327 kg, if fired from a medieval catapault, and travels a horizontal distance of 1375 m. It lands in a depression 39 m below its starting position. If it is launched at an angle of 37.0above the horizontal, find its initial speed.

Givens
HOR
dx= 1375
V1x= ?
ax= 0m/s2
v2x=v1x

VER
dy= -39 m
v1y= ?
ay= -9.81m/s2
v2y=?

T=?


Homework Equations


[tex]

x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2

[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


What I did here was make a equation for time of flight for the horizontal
dx=v1*cos37* t +1/2 at^2
1375=v1x*cos37*t
t= 1372/v1*cos37
I then entered this into my vertical distance
dy=v1y*cos37* t +1/2 at^2
-39=v1*sin37*(1372/v1*cos37) + 1/2 (-9.81)(1372/v1*cos37)^2
Now this equation is where it gets tricky, I am not sure how to solve for v1.
 
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  • #2
at that point you should plug into get rid of sin and cos so you are working with decimals and just follow order of operations. if you have a graphing calculator it would make life much easier but if not just plug and chug and go step by step as to not lose anything.
 

Related to Complex Projectile Motion question. Algebra help needed

1. What is complex projectile motion?

Complex projectile motion refers to the motion of an object that is launched at an angle with an initial velocity, and is affected by both horizontal and vertical forces such as gravity and air resistance.

2. What is the formula for calculating complex projectile motion?

The formula for complex projectile motion is: y = y0 + x*tanθ - (g*x2)/(2*v02*cos2θ), where y is the vertical displacement, y0 is the initial vertical position, x is the horizontal displacement, θ is the launch angle, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and v0 is the initial velocity.

3. How can algebra be used to solve complex projectile motion problems?

Algebra can be used to solve complex projectile motion problems by setting up and solving equations that represent the motion of the object. This involves breaking the initial velocity into its horizontal and vertical components, and using equations of motion to solve for the unknown variables.

4. What are some examples of complex projectile motion in real life?

Some examples of complex projectile motion in real life include a football being kicked, a ball being thrown, a rocket launching into space, and a bullet being fired from a gun. These objects are all launched at an angle and are affected by forces such as gravity and air resistance.

5. How does air resistance affect complex projectile motion?

Air resistance, or drag, can affect complex projectile motion by slowing down the horizontal and vertical components of the object's velocity. This can cause the object to travel a shorter distance and have a shorter flight time compared to a perfect projectile motion without air resistance.

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