Calculate Horizontal Distance for 12.0g Steel Ball, 32 Degrees

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In summary, a small steel ball bearing with a mass of 12.0g is launched from a compressed spring to a height of 1.41m. To calculate the horizontal distance it would travel when aimed at a 32 degree angle, the initial velocity was found to be 5.24m/s using the equation v^2 = V0^2 + 2a(x -x0). The equation R= (5.24)^2 sin(2(32 degrees)) / 9.8 was used, with consideration that the motion is independent of the object's mass.
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A small steel ball bearing with a mass of 12.0g is on a short compressed spring. When aimed vertically and suddenly released, the spring sends the bearing to a height of 1.41m. Calculate the horizontal distance the ball would travel if the same spring were aimed 32 degrees for the horizontal.

I found the initial velocity by pluging it into v^2 = V0^2 + 2a(x -x0) which was 5.24m/s, but I'm at a loss of how to proceed from there.
 
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Welcome to PF!
Does it make sense to you that the ball's initial speed must be V0 in the second case?
 
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thanx! yes it does... I ended up using the equation R= (5.24)^2 sin(2(32 degrees)) / 9.8 but I'm still a lil unsure if that is right because it does not use the mass at all.
 
  • #4
Since the force of gravity is the only force during the motion, and that the said force is proportional to the object's mass, it follows from Newton's 2.law that the motion is independent of the mass
 

Related to Calculate Horizontal Distance for 12.0g Steel Ball, 32 Degrees

What is the formula for calculating horizontal distance?

The formula for calculating horizontal distance is: d = (v * t) * cos(angle) where d is the distance, v is the initial velocity, t is the time, and angle is the angle of launch.

What units should be used for the values in the formula?

The units for distance (d) should be in meters (m), velocity (v) should be in meters per second (m/s), time (t) should be in seconds (s), and angle should be in degrees (°).

How do you determine the initial velocity of the steel ball?

The initial velocity of the steel ball can be determined by using the formula: v = √(2 * g * h) where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²) and h is the height at which the ball is launched in meters.

Can the formula be used for objects other than a steel ball?

Yes, the formula can be used for any object as long as the units are consistent and the angle of launch is measured from the horizontal.

What is the significance of the angle of launch in the formula?

The angle of launch affects the horizontal distance travelled by the object. A smaller angle will result in a shorter distance, while a larger angle will result in a longer distance. The maximum distance can be achieved at a 45° angle.

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