Physics 3.5: Projectile Motion - Finding the Angle (3 of 4) Different Height

Michel van Biezen
14 Nov 201613:52
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script presents a comprehensive guide to calculating the launch angle required for a projectile to travel a certain distance when the initial and final heights differ. It explains the process of finding the time of flight in both the x and y directions, and how to eliminate the time variable to solve for the angle. The script introduces a more complex scenario than previous examples, involving different initial and final heights, and uses trigonometric functions and algebraic manipulations, including the double angle formula, to derive a final equation for the angle. The detailed walkthrough helps viewers understand the mathematical principles behind projectile motion with varying heights.

Takeaways
  • 🎯 The general solution for finding the angle required for a projectile to reach a certain distance with different initial and final heights is discussed.
  • 🚀 Initial velocity in both the x and y directions is necessary for the calculation, which can be determined from the angle and the initial velocity magnitude.
  • 🧮 Time of flight for both directions is calculated using the respective kinematic equations, with no acceleration in the x direction due to the absence of gravitational force.
  • 🌐 The problem is solved by eliminating the variable time (T) and rearranging the equation to solve for the angle of projection.
  • 🔄 The process involves substituting expressions for the initial velocities in terms of the angle and simplifying the resulting equation.
  • 📈 A substitution is made to simplify the equation further, introducing a constant 'a' which is derived from the given parameters.
  • 🔢 The double angle formula is used to rewrite the equation in a more manageable form, facilitating the isolation of the angle variable.
  • 🤹 The equation is transformed into a single trigonometric function, which can be expressed as R times the sine of an angle minus a phase angle.
  • 🛠️ The final form of the equation allows for the calculation of the unknown angle using the arc cosine function and the derived expressions.
  • 📊 The solution requires algebraic manipulation and understanding of trigonometric identities to isolate and solve for the angle of projection.
  • 🎓 The process is complex and requires a solid understanding of projectile motion and the application of kinematic equations.
Q & A
  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is finding the angle required for a projectile to reach a certain distance when the initial and final heights are different.

  • How is the general solution for the projectile motion different when the initial and final heights differ?

    -The general solution involves finding the initial velocity in both the x and y directions, calculating the time of flight for both directions, and then solving a set of equations that include the initial height (H), the horizontal distance (x), and the final height (which is zero in this case).

  • What are the equations used to calculate the time of flight in the x and y directions?

    -For the y direction, the equation used is y = y0 + v0y * t - 0.5 * g * t^2. For the x direction, since there is no acceleration, the equation simplifies to x = v0x * t, where v0x is the initial velocity in the x direction.

  • How is the variable T eliminated from the equations to find the angle?

    -The variable T is eliminated by expressing v0x in terms of the angle (θ) and then substituting it into the equation for the y direction. This allows the equation to be solved for θ without the need for T.

  • What is the significance of the substitution a = (g * x^2) / (2 * v0n^2) in the equations?

    -The substitution simplifies the equation and makes it easier to work with by eliminating the cosine term in the denominator and allowing the equation to be rewritten in terms of a single trigonometric function.

  • How is the double angle formula used in solving for the angle?

    -The double angle formula is used to rewrite sin^2(θ) as 1 - cos(2θ), which helps to eliminate the cosine term and further simplify the equation to solve for θ.

  • What is the final form of the equation used to find the angle θ?

    -The final form of the equation to find θ is 2θ - V = arccos((2 * a - H) / (sqrt(H^2 + x^2))), where a = (g * x^2) / (2 * v0n^2) and V is determined by the specific problem's details.

  • What is the practical application of finding the angle in projectile motion?

    -Finding the angle in projectile motion is important in various real-world scenarios such as sports, physics experiments, engineering projects, and any situation where predicting the trajectory of an object is necessary.

  • How does the negative acceleration due to gravity (g) affect the projectile motion equations?

    -The negative acceleration due to gravity (g) affects the projectile motion equations by causing a downward acceleration in the y direction, which is why it is typically negative in the equations. In the x direction, there is no effect from gravity, so the acceleration is zero.

  • What is the role of initial velocity components in the projectile motion equations?

    -The initial velocity components (v0x and v0y) are crucial in the projectile motion equations as they determine the object's speed in the x and y directions. These components are used to calculate the time of flight and the distance traveled by the projectile.

  • Why is it necessary to solve for the angle in projectile motion problems?

    -Solving for the angle in projectile motion problems is necessary to determine the optimal launch angle that will result in the desired trajectory, such as reaching a target at a certain distance or achieving maximum range.

Outlines
00:00
🚀Projectile Motion: Finding the Launch Angle with Different Initial and Final Heights

This paragraph introduces the concept of projectile motion where the initial and final heights are different. It explains the need to find the angle required for a projectile to reach a certain distance, given the initial velocity in both the x and y directions. The paragraph details the process of calculating the time in the air for both directions and the method to eliminate the variable T to solve for the angle. It also discusses the changes in the equations due to different initial heights and the approach to solving the problem, including the substitution of variables and the use of gravitational acceleration (G).

05:01
🧮Solving the Equation: Simplification and Trigonometric Identities

The second paragraph delves into the simplification of the equation derived in the first part. It describes the substitution of a constant (a) to make the equation cleaner and the use of double angle equations to eliminate the cosine term. The paragraph outlines the process of multiplying out the terms, combining constants, and isolating the angle Theta. It also explains the concept of rewriting the equation as a single trigonometric function and the steps to achieve this, including the use of trigonometric identities and the final form of the equation to solve for the unknown angle.

10:02
🎓Advanced Trigonometry: Solving for the Launch Angle

The final paragraph focuses on the advanced trigonometric techniques required to solve for the launch angle in the projectile motion problem. It explains the process of combining sine and cosine functions into a single trigonometric function and the use of the inverse cosine function to find the angle. The paragraph details the steps to isolate the phase angle and the method to solve for the launch angle using the derived equation. It emphasizes the complexity of the process and the importance of understanding the underlying mathematical principles to arrive at the solution.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Projectile Motion
Projectile motion refers to the motion of an object that is launched into the air and moves under the influence of gravity and air resistance. In the context of the video, it is the main subject, as the speaker discusses the physics behind finding the angle required for a projectile to reach a certain distance when the initial and final heights are different.
💡Initial Velocity
Initial velocity is the speed at which an object starts moving. In the video, the speaker explains that to find the required angle for a projectile to reach a certain distance, one must know the initial velocity in both the x and y directions, as these values are crucial for the trajectory calculations.
💡Angle of Projection
The angle of projection is the angle at which a projectile is launched into the air. The video's main focus is on finding this angle when the projectile's initial and final heights differ. The angle is a key factor in determining the trajectory and range of the projectile.
💡Trajectory
Trajectory refers to the path that an object follows through space as it moves. In the video, the trajectory is determined by the angle of projection and the initial velocity, and it is essential for understanding how the projectile will reach its target at different heights.
💡Gravity
Gravity is the force that attracts two bodies towards each other, and in the context of the video, it is the force that causes the projectile to accelerate downwards. The acceleration due to gravity is typically represented by 'g' and is a negative value in projectile motion equations.
💡Time of Flight
Time of flight is the total time an object spends in the air during its motion. In the video, the speaker calculates the time of flight for both the x and y directions to determine the overall time the projectile is in the air and how it affects the trajectory.
💡Acceleration
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object with respect to time. In the context of the video, the only acceleration acting on the projectile in the x direction is zero, as there is no force acting in that direction, while in the y direction, it is equal to the acceleration due to gravity.
💡Equations of Motion
Equations of motion are mathematical formulas used to describe the motion of an object. In the video, these equations are used to calculate the time of flight, the trajectory, and the angle of projection for a projectile launched with a given initial velocity and height.
💡Trigonometry
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between the angles and sides of triangles. In the video, trigonometry is used to express the equations of motion in terms of the angle of projection and to solve for the unknown angle.
💡Double Angle Identity
The double angle identity is a trigonometric identity that expresses the sine or cosine of double an angle in terms of the sine or cosine of the original angle. In the video, the double angle identity is used to simplify the equation and eliminate the cosine term when solving for the angle of projection.
💡Arc Cosine
Arc cosine, also known as the inverse cosine function, is used to find the angle whose cosine is a given value. In the video, the arc cosine is used to solve for the angle of projection after simplifying the equation derived from the projectile motion equations.
Highlights

The general solution for finding the angle required for a projectile to reach a certain distance when the initial and final heights are different.

The need for the initial velocity in both the y and x directions to calculate the projectile's trajectory.

The timing in the air for both x and y directions is crucial for solving the problem.

The equation for time in the air for the y direction, incorporating gravity's acceleration.

The absence of acceleration in the x direction due to the lack of gravitational force.

The elimination of the variable T by solving the equation for the initial velocity in the x direction.

The substitution of the initial velocity in the y direction based on the projectile's angle.

The final height being zero, but the initial height being H, which modifies the equation.

The positive value of G in the projectile motion, despite it typically being negative.

The substitution process leading to a cleaner equation involving the angle's sine and cosine.

The use of double angle equations to simplify and rewrite the equation without the cosine term.

The final form of the equation that allows for the calculation of the unknown angle.

The method for isolating the angle and the use of trigonometric functions to solve for it.

The detailed algebraic manipulation and the final equation for finding the projectile's launch angle.

Transcripts
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