Can you find the velocity of a motorcycle launching off a parabolic ramp?

  • Thread starter djiberal
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Just use the fact that the motorcycle starts at a speed of vi and launches off the ramp at a horizontal displacement of xf.In summary, the equation y = cx2 models a ramp, where c is a constant. The gradient at any point on the ramp is given by dy/dx = 2cx. For an inclined plane, the gradient is equal to the tangent of the angle θ, and therefore θ = tan-1(2cx). The force down the slope is F = gsin(θ) and the acceleration is a = F/m. However, to solve for the motorcyclist's speed and direction, we can simply use the fact that the motorcycle starts at a speed of vi and launches off the ramp
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djiberal
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Homework Statement



Let's say that a ramp is modeled using the equation y = cx2, where c is a constant. Assuming a motorcycle starts at speed vi, displacement xi=0 and launches off the ramp at a horizontal displacement of xf, what is the motorcyclists speed and direction?

Homework Equations


[/B]
y = cx2
gradient = m = tan(θ)
F = gsin(θ)
F = ma

The Attempt at a Solution


The gradient at each point, x, is given by:
dy/dx = m = 2cx

For an inclined plane, m = tan(θ), so from above:
tan(θ) = 2cx
θ = tan-1(2cx)

The force down the slope at any point is F = gsin(θ), so:
F = gsin(tan-1(2cx)) = (2cxg)/√(1+4x2)
a = F/m = (2cxg)/(m√(1+4x2))

V = ∫adt, but the acceleration is in terms of x so I'm not sure what to do... I obviously need to find a way to link the displacement to the velocity, but I'm not sure how.
 
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Hint: You don't need to deal with forces and accelerations.
 

Related to Can you find the velocity of a motorcycle launching off a parabolic ramp?

1. What is a parabolic ramp problem?

A parabolic ramp problem is a physics problem that involves calculating the trajectory of an object on a ramp that follows the shape of a parabola. This type of problem often involves determining the distance, speed, or acceleration of the object at different points on the ramp.

2. How do you solve a parabolic ramp problem?

To solve a parabolic ramp problem, you first need to identify the known values, such as the initial velocity, angle of the ramp, and distance or time. Then, use the equations of motion and the principles of projectile motion to calculate the unknown values. This typically involves breaking down the problem into components and using trigonometry to find the horizontal and vertical components of the object's motion.

3. What are the key principles involved in solving a parabolic ramp problem?

The key principles involved in solving a parabolic ramp problem are the principles of projectile motion, including the independence of horizontal and vertical motion, the constant acceleration due to gravity, and the equations of motion (such as d = v0t + 1/2at2).

4. What are some real-world applications of parabolic ramp problems?

Parabolic ramp problems have many real-world applications, such as calculating the trajectory of a ball being thrown or kicked, predicting the path of a projectile launched from a slingshot or cannon, and determining the optimal angle for a ski jump or skateboard ramp.

5. What are some common mistakes when solving parabolic ramp problems?

Some common mistakes when solving parabolic ramp problems include forgetting to consider the effects of air resistance, using the wrong value for acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2), and not breaking down the problem into horizontal and vertical components. It is also important to double-check units and use the correct equations for the given scenario.

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