Projectile Motion - baseball popup

In summary, projectile motion is the motion of an object through the air that is affected by gravity and air resistance. A baseball popup follows projectile motion because it is launched into the air at an angle and is affected by various factors such as initial velocity, angle of launch, air resistance, and gravitational pull. The maximum height and distance of a baseball popup can be calculated using equations of projectile motion, but air resistance can affect the trajectory and cause the baseball to have a shorter distance and lower height. This can be minimized by using a streamlined design and smooth surface for the baseball.
  • #1
blackraven
11
0
Projectile Motion -- baseball popup

Homework Statement


A baseball is popped up, remaining aloft for 6.3 s before being caught at a horizontal distance of 83 m from the starting point. What was the launch angle?


Homework Equations


vx = vcostheta
vy = vcostheta

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried solving for vx and vy then take those and find the arctan but then there was an erroron my caclculator. Besides, I think I'm doing something wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


Vx= V*CosQ
Vy=V*SinQ
t= 2*Vy/g=6.3 =>Vy=30.87 m/s
Range= Vx*t=83m => Vx=13.17 m/s
Vy/Vx=TanQ=66 Degrees
 

Related to Projectile Motion - baseball popup

1. What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object through the air that is affected by both gravity and air resistance. It follows a curved path, known as a parabola, and can be described by the laws of motion and equations of kinematics.

2. How does a baseball popup follow projectile motion?

A baseball popup follows projectile motion because it is launched into the air at an angle and is affected by gravity and air resistance. The initial velocity and angle at which the baseball is thrown will determine the shape and height of its trajectory.

3. What factors affect the trajectory of a baseball popup?

The factors that affect the trajectory of a baseball popup include the initial velocity, angle of launch, air resistance, and gravitational pull. Other external factors such as wind and air density can also play a role in the trajectory of a baseball.

4. How can we calculate the maximum height and distance of a baseball popup?

The maximum height and distance of a baseball popup can be calculated using the equations of projectile motion. These include the vertical displacement equation (Δy = v0y * t + 1/2 * a * t^2) and the horizontal displacement equation (Δx = v0x * t). By substituting in the initial velocity, angle of launch, and time of flight, we can determine the maximum height and distance of the baseball.

5. How does air resistance affect the trajectory of a baseball popup?

Air resistance, also known as drag, acts opposite to the direction of motion and can slow down the baseball as it travels through the air. This can cause the baseball to have a shorter distance and lower height than predicted by equations of projectile motion. The effect of air resistance on a baseball's trajectory can be minimized by using a streamlined design and smooth surface for the baseball.

Similar threads

Find Projectile Flight Time Given Only Maximum Height
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Relationship between Launch height and range of a projectile
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
21K
Exploring the Acceleration of a Projectile Motion Lab
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
Is it possible to find dy given the values of dx and v?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Motion 2 problems - Tossing hay bales and baseballs
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Volcano Question, PHYS 200 final
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
3K
Projectile Motion Question: A projectile is fired on a long flat firing range....
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
Projectile Motion on the Moon: Finding the Optimal Launch Angle Using Equations
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Find the Initial Velocity and Launch Angle for a Particular Trajectory
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
3K
Calculating Projectile Distance on Pluto
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top