Kinematics Question -- A soccer ball bounces off a wall

In summary, the problem involves finding the height at which a soccer ball hits a wall after being kicked at an initial angle of 30° above the horizontal. Using the concept of constant horizontal velocity and the ratios of final and initial velocities, the displacement at the maximum height and the displacement downwards from the maximum height to the wall can be calculated. This will give the difference in heights, which is the answer to the question. Additional variables may need to be created and trigonometric functions, such as the tangent of an angle, can be used to solve the problem.
  • #1
Dr. Octavius
1
0

Homework Statement


"A person kicks a soccer ball at an angle 30° above the horizontal on the ground. The ball then hits a wall at an angle 15° below the horizontal 4.9 seconds later. Determine the height at which the ball hit the wall."

(Assume acceleration due to gravity is 9.80m/s2 [Down].)

Homework Equations


Not entirely sure where to start, but perhaps cos A1 = vx / vi and sin A1 = viy / vi as well as cos A2 = vx / vf and sin A2 = vfy / vf.

The Attempt at a Solution


Use the above equations to find vx (?) by subbing them into one of the five kinematic equations. Then find viy and vfy using ratios. Lastly, use viy and vfy to determine the displacement at the max height and the displacement downwards from the max height to the wall. Find the difference of the two values to determine the answer to the question.

I feel like I might not be seeing something here. Anyone care to provide some sort of solution?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
I hope you used the concept of constant horizontal velocity which will lead you to the ratio ##\frac{v_f}{v_i}##
Then from there by just substituting the answer into the equation for the y coordinate of the velocity, you can find displacement, use third equation.
Post your calculations(working), it'll be easier to say, if your on the right track or not!
 
  • #3
Be prepared to create additional variables so that you can write out the standard equations. In the present case, I would suggest setting s as the horizontal distance.
When you post your working, please keep everything symbolic, e.g. write g, not 9.8, and t, not 4.9.
 
  • #4
If you need a hint, think of trigonometry and in particular the tangent of an angle.
 

Related to Kinematics Question -- A soccer ball bounces off a wall

1. What is kinematics?

Kinematics is the branch of physics that studies the motion of objects, without taking into account the forces that cause the motion.

2. How does a soccer ball bounce off a wall?

When a soccer ball hits a wall, it experiences a change in momentum. The force of the ball hitting the wall causes it to compress, and then the compressed ball expands back to its original shape, pushing off the wall and bouncing back.

3. What factors affect the bounce of a soccer ball off a wall?

The factors that affect the bounce of a soccer ball off a wall include the surface of the wall, the angle of impact, the speed of the ball, and the material and inflation of the ball.

4. How is the speed of the ball after bouncing off the wall calculated?

The speed of the ball after bouncing off the wall can be calculated using the law of conservation of energy, which states that the total energy of a system remains constant. This can be expressed as: initial kinetic energy = final kinetic energy

5. Can the motion of a bouncing soccer ball be accurately described using kinematics?

Yes, the motion of a bouncing soccer ball can be accurately described using kinematics, as it involves the study of the ball's position, velocity, and acceleration as it bounces off the wall. However, other factors such as air resistance may also affect the motion and would need to be taken into consideration for a more precise description.

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