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Kinematics · Kinematics

Compound motion

A football spiraling downfield at Lambeau Field, a package falling from a plane in flight, a boat crossing the Mississippi River while the current pushes it along: in all three cases there are two motions happening at once. Galileo was the first to realize something that seems simple but cleared up centuries of confusion: those two motions can be studied separately, as if the other did not exist, and then combined using the vector addition you already know. Use $\Delta x$, $v_i$, $v_f$, $a$ and $t$ as in the rest of the course.

The principle of independence of motions

A stone dropped from the top of the mast of a moving ship lands exactly at the foot of the mast and not several meters behind it, as the ancient scholars believed: how is it possible that the ship's horizontal motion does not alter its vertical fall at all?

Two independent perpendicular motions, one horizontal and one vertical, and their diagonal resultant obtained by vector addition motion 1 motion 2 resultant (vector sum)
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A drone flies north at $4\ \text{m/s}$ while the wind pushes it east at $3\ \text{m/s}$. a) Calculate the magnitude of the drone's resultant velocity relative to the…

A drone flies north at $4\ \text{m/s}$ while the wind pushes it east at $3\ \text{m/s}$.

  1. a) Calculate the magnitude of the drone's resultant velocity relative to the ground.
  2. b) Taking into account the independence of motion, calculate how long it takes to travel $100\ \text{m}$ northward.
Solve
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A train crosses a bridge $19.6\ \text{m}$ high when an object becomes detached from a car. Take $g = 9.8\ \text{m/s}^2$. a) Calculate the time it takes for the object to…

A train crosses a bridge $19.6\ \text{m}$ high when an object becomes detached from a car. Take $g = 9.8\ \text{m/s}^2$.

  1. a) Calculate the time it takes for the object to reach the ground.
  2. b) Reason whether this time depends on the horizontal speed of the train.
Solve
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An airplane flies east at its own velocity of $200\ \text{m/s}$ while the wind blows constantly northward at $40\ \text{m/s}$. a) Calculate the magnitude of the…

An airplane flies east at its own velocity of $200\ \text{m/s}$ while the wind blows constantly northward at $40\ \text{m/s}$.

  1. a) Calculate the magnitude of the airplane's resultant velocity relative to the ground.
  2. b) Calculate the drift angle: the angle by which its path deviates from the desired eastward course.
  3. c) If the flight lasts $500\ \text{s}$, calculate the position of the airplane (distance traveled east and north of the starting point) and the distance from the point it would have reached without wind.
Solve

Horizontal projectile motion

If you throw a coin horizontally from the edge of a table at the same time as you drop another one straight down, you will hear a single thud on the floor: why do two objects with such different horizontal velocities take exactly the same time to hit the ground?

In an investigation of a horizontal launch (for example a marble leaving a ramp), record the height, the range and the time several times. Repeated measurements reveal random error, and a consistent offset in every measurement suggests systematic error. Report results to a sensible number of significant figures.

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An aid airplane flies horizontally at $100\ \text{m/s}$ and at an altitude of $500\ \text{m}$ when it drops a package. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$. Look at the…

An aid airplane flies horizontally at $100\ \text{m/s}$ and at an altitude of $500\ \text{m}$ when it drops a package. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$. Look at the diagram:

v = 100 m/s 500 m range = ? t = ?
  1. a) Calculate the time it takes for the package to fall.
  2. b) Calculate the horizontal distance the package travels before touching the ground.
Solve
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A helicopter flies horizontally at $30\ \text{m/s}$ and at an altitude of $20\ \text{m}$ when it drops a package. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$. a) Calculate the…

A helicopter flies horizontally at $30\ \text{m/s}$ and at an altitude of $20\ \text{m}$ when it drops a package. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$.

  1. a) Calculate the fall time of the package.
  2. b) Calculate the horizontal range of the package.
  3. c) Calculate the velocity components when it hits the ground and its magnitude.
Solve
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An airplane flies horizontally at $80\ \text{m/s}$ and at an altitude of $720\ \text{m}$ and must drop a package so that it lands on a specific point on the ground. Take…

An airplane flies horizontally at $80\ \text{m/s}$ and at an altitude of $720\ \text{m}$ and must drop a package so that it lands on a specific point on the ground. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$.

  1. a) Calculate the fall time of the package.
  2. b) Calculate the horizontal distance traveled by the package during the fall.
  3. c) Reason at what horizontal distance before the target the package should be dropped.
Solve
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From the top of a cliff $45\ \text{m}$ above the sea, a stone is dropped and, at the same instant, another identical stone is thrown horizontally at $10\ \text{m/s}$.…

From the top of a cliff $45\ \text{m}$ above the sea, a stone is dropped and, at the same instant, another identical stone is thrown horizontally at $10\ \text{m/s}$. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$. Look at the cliff diagram:

sea v₀ = 10 m/s stone 1 stone 2 45 m range = ?
  1. a) Calculate the time it takes for the first stone to fall.
  2. b) Reason, using the principle of independence of motion, which of the two hits the water first.
  3. c) Calculate the horizontal range of the second stone.
  4. d) Calculate the magnitude of the final velocity of each stone and compare the results.
Solve
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A ski jumper leaves the ramp with a horizontal velocity of $20\ \text{m/s}$ from a height of $80\ \text{m}$ above the landing area. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$. a)…

A ski jumper leaves the ramp with a horizontal velocity of $20\ \text{m/s}$ from a height of $80\ \text{m}$ above the landing area. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$.

  1. a) Calculate the flight time and the horizontal range.
  2. b) Calculate the velocity components on reaching the landing area and its magnitude.
  3. c) Calculate the angle that the final velocity makes with the horizontal.
Solve
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In a laboratory practical, a ball rolls along a table $1.25\ \text{m}$ high and leaves the edge horizontally. A cup is placed on the floor with its center…

In a laboratory practical, a ball rolls along a table $1.25\ \text{m}$ high and leaves the edge horizontally. A cup is placed on the floor with its center $1.5\ \text{m}$ from the vertical line of the table edge. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$. Look at the diagram:

v₀ = ? cup 1.25 m 1.5 m
  1. a) Calculate the time taken for the ball to fall from the edge to the ground.
  2. b) Calculate the horizontal velocity with which it must leave the table to land in the glass.
  3. c) Using this velocity, calculate the components and the magnitude of the velocity of the ball upon reaching the ground.
Solve

Projectile motion at an angle

The arc of a baseball hit from home plate, or a jet of water from a tilted garden hose, traces a symmetrical arc in the air, whose height and range change when you alter the angle: which combination of elementary motions gives rise to that curved path?

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A ball is kicked with an initial velocity $v_0 = 50\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $37^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 37^\circ \approx 0.6$ and…

A ball is kicked with an initial velocity $v_0 = 50\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $37^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 37^\circ \approx 0.6$ and $\cos 37^\circ \approx 0.8$. The figure shows the resolution of the initial velocity.

v₀ = 50 m/s horizontal = ? vertical = ? 37°
  1. a) Calculate the horizontal component of the initial velocity.
  2. b) Calculate the vertical component of the initial velocity.
Solve
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A tennis ball leaves the racket at $v_0 = 20\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $60^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 60^\circ \approx 0.87$ and $\cos 60^\circ = 0.5$. a)…

A tennis ball leaves the racket at $v_0 = 20\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $60^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 60^\circ \approx 0.87$ and $\cos 60^\circ = 0.5$.

  1. a) Calculate the horizontal component of its initial velocity.
  2. b) Calculate the vertical component of its initial velocity.
Solve
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The vertical component of the initial velocity of a projectile is $20\ \text{m/s}$. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$. a) Calculate the time it takes to reach the…

The vertical component of the initial velocity of a projectile is $20\ \text{m/s}$. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$.

  1. a) Calculate the time it takes to reach the highest point of its trajectory.
  2. b) If it is launched from the ground and returns to the ground, how long is its total flight? Justify your answer.
Solve
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An arrow leaves the bow with a vertical velocity component of $30\ \text{m/s}$. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$ and remember that at the highest point the vertical…

An arrow leaves the bow with a vertical velocity component of $30\ \text{m/s}$. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$ and remember that at the highest point the vertical velocity is zero.

  1. a) Calculate the time it takes to ascend.
  2. b) Calculate the maximum height it reaches above the launch point.
Solve
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A golf ball leaves the tee at $v_0 = 50\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $37^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 37^\circ \approx 0.6$, $\cos 37^\circ \approx 0.8$ and…

A golf ball leaves the tee at $v_0 = 50\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $37^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 37^\circ \approx 0.6$, $\cos 37^\circ \approx 0.8$ and $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$. The trajectory of the shot is shown in the figure.

v₀ = 50 m/s 37° maximum height = ? range = ?
  1. a) Calculate the components of the initial velocity.
  2. b) Calculate the flight time.
  3. c) Calculate the range over level ground.
  4. d) Calculate the maximum height.
Solve
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A handball goalkeeper throws the ball at $v_0 = 20\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $30^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 30^\circ = 0.5$, $\cos 30^\circ \approx 0.87$ and…

A handball goalkeeper throws the ball at $v_0 = 20\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $30^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 30^\circ = 0.5$, $\cos 30^\circ \approx 0.87$ and $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$.

  1. a) Calculate the components of the initial velocity.
  2. b) Calculate the flight time until the ball returns to the launch height.
  3. c) Calculate the range.
  4. d) Calculate the maximum height.
Solve
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A volleyball player serves at $v_0 = 25\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $53^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 53^\circ \approx 0.8$, $\cos 53^\circ \approx 0.6$ and…

A volleyball player serves at $v_0 = 25\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $53^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 53^\circ \approx 0.8$, $\cos 53^\circ \approx 0.6$ and $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$.

  1. a) Calculate the components of the initial velocity.
  2. b) Explain what the vertical component of the velocity is at the highest point and calculate the speed at that point.
  3. c) Calculate the maximum height and the time it takes to reach it.
Solve
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A football player kicks the ball from the ground at $v_0 = 30\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $53^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 53^\circ \approx 0.8$,…

A football player kicks the ball from the ground at $v_0 = 30\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $53^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 53^\circ \approx 0.8$, $\cos 53^\circ \approx 0.6$ and $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$. The figure shows the trajectory of the ball and the goalposts.

v₀ = 30 m/s 53° crossbar: 3 m height = ? 36 m
  1. a) Calculate the components of the initial velocity.
  2. b) If the goalposts are $36\ \text{m}$ from the point of the kick, calculate at what height the ball passes over the goal line and determine whether it clears the crossbar, located at a height of $3\ \text{m}$.
  3. c) Calculate the maximum height reached by the ball.
  4. d) Calculate the range of the ball and determine whether it would clear the end line, located $80\ \text{m}$ from the point of the kick.
Solve
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For a launch over level ground, the range is given by $x = \frac{v_0^2 \times \sen(2\theta)}{g}$, where $\theta$ is the launch angle. a) Using this expression, justify…

For a launch over level ground, the range is given by $x = \frac{v_0^2 \times \sen(2\theta)}{g}$, where $\theta$ is the launch angle.

  1. a) Using this expression, justify that the range is maximum when $\theta = 45^\circ$.
  2. b) A javelin thrower wants to reach $80\ \text{m}$ throwing at $45^\circ$; take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$ and calculate the required initial velocity.
  3. c) With this same initial velocity, calculate the range if thrown at $30^\circ$ and check whether it reaches $80\ \text{m}$. Use $\sen 60^\circ \approx 0.87$.
Solve
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In a historical reenactment, a cannon fires projectiles at $v_0 = 40\ \text{m/s}$. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$, $\sen 37^\circ \approx 0.6$,…

In a historical reenactment, a cannon fires projectiles at $v_0 = 40\ \text{m/s}$. Take $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$, $\sen 37^\circ \approx 0.6$, $\cos 37^\circ \approx 0.8$ and recall that $\sen(2\theta) = 2 \times \sen\theta \times \cos\theta$.

  1. a) Calculate the range for a firing angle of $37^\circ$.
  2. b) Calculate the range for the complementary angle, $53^\circ$, and compare the two results.
  3. c) Calculate the maximum height and the flight time in each of the two cases.
  4. d) Explain what property pairs of complementary angles have in projectile motion, and what is gained and lost by choosing the higher angle.
Solve
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An archer shoots an arrow at $v_0 = 25\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $37^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 37^\circ \approx 0.6$, $\cos 37^\circ \approx 0.8$ and…

An archer shoots an arrow at $v_0 = 25\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle of $37^\circ$ to the horizontal. Use $\sen 37^\circ \approx 0.6$, $\cos 37^\circ \approx 0.8$ and $g \approx 10\ \text{m/s}^2$.

  1. a) Calculate the components of the initial velocity.
  2. b) Write the equations $x(t)$ and $y(t)$, eliminate time and obtain the equation of the trajectory $y(x)$.
  3. c) There is an advertising billboard $5\ \text{m}$ high at a distance of $20\ \text{m}$ from the launch point: calculate the height at which the arrow passes over it and determine whether it clears it.
  4. d) Calculate the range of the arrow on flat horizontal ground.
Solve

Composition of rectilinear motions: boats and currents

With $v_b=4\ \text{m/s}$ at $90^\circ$ (the boat, perpendicular to the bank) and $v_c=1.5\ \text{m/s}$ at $0^\circ$ (the current, parallel to the bank), the resultant $v$ is the real velocity of the boat relative to the ground: it moves diagonally, combining the crossing with the drift.

Back to the start: the Mississippi crossing is just two independent motions, one across and one along the river, combined with the Pythagorean theorem.

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A boat crosses a river $40\ \text{m}$ wide at its own velocity of $2\ \text{m/s}$, directed perpendicular to the current. Look at the crossing diagram: a) State…

A boat crosses a river $40\ \text{m}$ wide at its own velocity of $2\ \text{m/s}$, directed perpendicular to the current. Look at the crossing diagram:

current v = 2 m/s 40 m crossing time = ?
  1. a) State Galileo's principle of independence of motion.
  2. b) Apply it to calculate the time the boat takes to cross the river, reasoning why the current does not alter this time.
Solve
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A boat with its own speed of $4\ \text{m/s}$ crosses a river $80\ \text{m}$ wide, pointing its bow perpendicular to the current, which flows at $1.5\ \text{m/s}$. Look…

A boat with its own speed of $4\ \text{m/s}$ crosses a river $80\ \text{m}$ wide, pointing its bow perpendicular to the current, which flows at $1.5\ \text{m/s}$. Look at the crossing diagram:

boat: 4 m/s current: 1.5 m/s actual path drift = ? 80 m
  1. a) Calculate the crossing time.
  2. b) Calculate the drift: the distance the current has carried it downstream on reaching the opposite bank.
  3. c) Calculate the magnitude of the total displacement between the starting point and the arrival point.
Solve
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A boat captain wants to cross a river $120\ \text{m}$ wide, arriving directly opposite the starting point. Their boat reaches $5\ \text{m/s}$ in still water and the…

A boat captain wants to cross a river $120\ \text{m}$ wide, arriving directly opposite the starting point. Their boat reaches $5\ \text{m/s}$ in still water and the current flows downstream at $3\ \text{m/s}$. The velocity diagram is shown in the figure.

boat: 5 m/s current: 3 m/s resultant = ? θ = ? directly opposite 120 m
  1. a) Calculate the upstream angle at which the bow must be directed, knowing that it satisfies $\sen\theta = \frac{3}{5}$.
  2. b) Calculate the magnitude of the boat's resultant velocity relative to the banks.
  3. c) Calculate the time it takes to cross.
Solve
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A boat capable of traveling at $5\ \text{m/s}$ in still water must cross a river $100\ \text{m}$ wide with a current of $3\ \text{m/s}$. a) If it points its bow…

A boat capable of traveling at $5\ \text{m/s}$ in still water must cross a river $100\ \text{m}$ wide with a current of $3\ \text{m/s}$.

  1. a) If it points its bow perpendicular to the bank, calculate the crossing time, the drift and the magnitude of the total displacement.
  2. b) If it wants to arrive directly opposite, calculate the upstream angle it must take (satisfying $\sen\theta = \frac{3}{5}$), the resultant velocity and the crossing time.
  3. c) Compare both strategies and reason which minimizes the crossing time and which minimizes the length of the path relative to the bank, supporting your answer with the results obtained.
Solve

Summary

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