Physics problem dealing with projectile motion 10 pts best answer?

Today, we got a physics problem assigned to us for extra credit, but I'm having a very difficult time trying to solve it. I know that you have to use motion equations to find unknowns and stuff, but I'm stuck as to how to solve it. Our teacher told us that the final answer is about 31 m/s, but now I need to figure out just how to get that answer. The problem reads as follows:

A pitched ball is hit by a batter at a 45 degree angle and just clears the outfield fence, 98 meters away. Assume that the fence is at the same height as the pitch and find the velocity of the ball when it left the bat. Neglect air resistance.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. And please show your work/explain how you got the final answer. 10 points will be awarded to the person who helps me out the most. Thanks!

Huh2012-02-13T15:15:02Z

Favorite Answer

I'll show you both ways to do this.

θ = 45
x = 98 m
v = ?
g = -9.8 m/s²
g is negative because it's moving against gravity, causing it to decelerate vertically

First use soh cah toa to break the velocity into its x and y components, where v is the hypotenuse
Sinθ = opp / v              Cosθ = adj / v
vSinθ = opp                  vCosθ = adj
vSinθ = vᵧ                      vCosθ = vᵪ

The time in the air is
vᵪ = x / t
vCos = x / t
t = x / vCosθ

FIRST WAY:
y = vᵧt + ½gt²
0 = (vSinθ)t + ½gt²                                        when it lands, its height is y = 0
0 = (vSinθ)[x/vCosθ] + ½g[x/vCosθ]²        and its time is t = x / vCosθ

the physics part is over, now use algebra to simplify and solve for v
0 = x(Sinθ/Cosθ) + ½g[x²/v²Cos²θ]
0 = xTanθ + gx² / 2v²Cos²θ                           trig identity: Sinθ/Cosθ = Tanθ
-gx² / 2v²Cos²θ = xTanθ
-gx² / xTanθ = 2v²Cos²θ
-gx² / 2Cos²θ(xTanθ) = v²
-(-9.8)(98²) / 2Cos²(45)(98Tan(45)) = v²
960.4 = v²
30.99 m/s = v

SECOND WAY:
y = vᵧt + ½gt²
0 = (vSinθ)t + ½gt²            you have a quadratic
0 = t(vSinθ + ½gt)             to solve for t, factor out a t and set each factor equal to 0

t = 0                              vSinθ + ½gt = 0
time when hit             vSinθ = -½gt
                                       2vSinθ / -g = t
                                       time when landed (total time in the air)

But we know the total time in the air is also t = x / vCosθ
2vSinθ / -g = x / vCosθ
(2vSinθ)(vCosθ) = -gx
2v²SinθCosθ = -gx
v² = -gx / 2SinθCosθ
v² = -(-9.8)(98) / 2Sin(45)Cos(45)
v² = 960.4
v = 30.99 m/s

?2012-02-13T20:42:07Z

tsk tsk tsk! Vertical velocity my dear, but I won't answer this for you.