Mechanics: Vectors and Projectiles
Vectors and Projectiles: Audio Guided Solution
Problem Set VP12, Question 7:
Jale
n is watching the Saturday AM cartoons on the Nostalgia Channel. A scene from Tom and Jerry prompts some good Physics thoughts. In the scene, Tom the cat is chasing Jerry the mouse across a long table that is elevated 1.58 m above the floor. At the table's edge, Jerry steps out of the way and Tom skids off the table's edge at a speed of 6.89 m/s.
a. How far (in meters) from the bottom edge of the table will Tom land on the floor?
b. What is Tom's horizontal component of velocity (in m/s) just prior to hitting the floor?
c. What is Tom's vertical component of velocity (in m/s) just prior to hitting the floor?
Graphic for Parts B and C
Audio Guided Solution
Description of Part A Solution:
Audio Guided Solution
Description of Part B Solution:
Audio Guided Solution
Description of Part C Solution:
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...
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...reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of the physical situation. If needed, they sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help visualize it.
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...identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner, often times recording them on the diagram iteself. They equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., vox = 12.4 m/s, voy = 0.0 m/s, dx = 32.7 m, dy = ???).
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...plots a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity; the strategy will typically center around the use of physics equations be heavily dependent upon an understaning of physics principles.
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...identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use, often times writing them down. Where needed, they perform the needed conversion of quantities into the proper unit.
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...performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
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