Extra credit problems dealing with projectiles

  • Thread starter Lightening Lover
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Projectiles
In summary, the conversation is about two extra credit problems dealing with projectiles. The first problem involves finding the angle at which a projectile should be fired to hit an enemy on top of a hill. The second problem involves finding a formula that will give whole numbers for the number of steps in a set of stairs when a ball is rolled down them. The solution for the first problem involves using the initial velocity and acceleration in 2 dimensions, while the second problem requires a formula involving variables such as initial velocity, height and number of steps.
  • #1
Lightening Lover
3
0
"extra credit" problems dealing with projectiles

My physics prof. gave us the following "extra credit" problems dealing with projectiles, but there are two different ones, and therefor there will be two different color, lol but yeah here you go:
The first problem reads as following:
You are in the amry and unfortunately you are at a disadvangtage, for your enemy is on top of a hill 100 meters high, the center of the hill is 500 meters away. You have one projectiles which on it, the tag reads that it shoots at an initial velocity of 5meters/second. You have to find the angle at which you must fire the projectile, so that it travels up above the enemy's hill and comes straight dowm to hit the enemy.

Now there are 2 solutions to this problem, and I know that you need the higher one of the two, but I have no clue on how to solve it.
The second problem reads as following: You are rolling a ball down a set of stairs, your initial velocity is v m/s, the hieght of the stairs (or the riser) is y, the treads (or bases of the stairs) are x. The object of this problem is to find a formula that will have the variables v, y,x,(as defined earlier), n(the number of steps) and a (gravitational pull aka 9.81). You must have it in the fashion ofn=the equation. However the only catch is that the equation must deliver whole numbers.
For this one I know how to get the whole numbers however, I don't know the equation.
Any help at all on either problems would be greatly appreciated
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well the first problem is pretty simple. Since it is in 2 dimensions and you know the starting speed v0 = (5cos(a), 5sin(a)) where a is the angle you fire the projectile off, and you know the acceleration a = (0, -g).

For second problem, what kind of formula are you looking for?
 

1. What is a projectile?

A projectile is any object that is thrown, fired, or launched through the air and is affected by gravity. Examples of projectiles include baseballs, arrows, and cannonballs.

2. How do you calculate the range of a projectile?

The range of a projectile can be calculated using the equation R = V2 sin(2θ) / g, where R is the range, V is the initial velocity, θ is the launch angle, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

3. What factors affect the trajectory of a projectile?

The trajectory of a projectile is affected by its initial velocity, launch angle, air resistance, and the force of gravity.

4. Can you explain the difference between horizontal and vertical motion of a projectile?

The horizontal motion of a projectile is constant and unaffected by gravity, while the vertical motion is affected by both the initial velocity and gravity. This results in a curved path for the projectile.

5. How do you determine the maximum height of a projectile?

The maximum height of a projectile can be determined by using the equation h = V2 (sinθ)2 / 2g, where h is the maximum height, V is the initial velocity, θ is the launch angle, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
780
  • STEM Educators and Teaching
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top