Projectile Motion - A classical mechanics problem

In summary, Morpheus and Neo attempt to jump between two buildings in the movie Matrix. Morpheus easily makes the jump, while Neo falls on his first attempt. Morpheus' jump takes 4 seconds and Neo's fall takes 7 seconds, with the distance between the buildings represented as L and the height as h. Assuming both have some knowledge of physics, they would jump at a 45 degree angle, and the question asks for the height and distance between the buildings. However, there is confusion on whether their velocities should be the same or if Neo's angle should be higher than 45 degrees.
  • #1
Erkan Tur
5
1
In Matrix, Morpheus shows how to jump. He jumps easily, but Neo falls in his first jump.
Morpheus’ jump takes 4 s and Neo’s fall takes 7 s.
Distance between the buildings as L and height as h and consider that Neo falls at the middle of the distances, L/2.
If both 1 of them know a bit of physics, they would jump with 45◦ , what is the height of the buildings and the distance between them? (Both building has same height)
Neo’s jump video:

I am a bit confused how to solve this problem, should I take their velocities as same? Or should I think only think about the Neo's projectile angle is higher than 45 degrees to the ground?
 
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  • #2
According to the problem, both jump at 45 degrees. So the difference must be their initial velocities.
 
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Related to Projectile Motion - A classical mechanics problem

1. What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is a type of motion that occurs when an object is thrown or launched into the air and moves along a curved path under the influence of gravity. It is a classical mechanics problem that involves the study of the motion of objects through space.

2. What factors affect projectile motion?

The factors that affect projectile motion are the initial velocity of the object, the angle at which it is launched, and the acceleration due to gravity. Other factors that may have a minor influence include air resistance and the rotation of the Earth.

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

The range of a projectile is the horizontal distance it travels before hitting the ground. It can be calculated using the formula: R = (v2sin2θ)/g, where R is the range, v is the initial velocity, θ is the launch angle, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

4. What is the maximum height reached by a projectile?

The maximum height reached by a projectile is known as the apex or the peak of its trajectory. It can be calculated using the formula: h = v2sin2θ/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.

5. How does air resistance affect projectile motion?

Air resistance, also known as drag, can affect the trajectory of a projectile by slowing it down and altering its path. This is due to the force of air resistance acting in the opposite direction of the projectile's motion. In some cases, air resistance may also cause the projectile to deviate from its expected path. However, for most practical purposes, the effects of air resistance can be ignored in projectile motion calculations.

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