The Physics Classroom » Calculator Pad » Vectors and Projectiles » Audio Help

Mechanics: Vectors and Projectiles

Vectors and Projectiles: Audio Guided Solution

Problem Set VP15, Question 6:

A tennis player stretches out to reach a ball that is just barely above the ground and successfully 'lobs' it over her opponent's head. The ball is hit with a speed of 18.7 m/s at an angle of 65.1 degrees.

a. Determine the time that the ball is in the air.
b. Determine the maximum height which the ball reaches.
c. Determine the distance the ball travels horizontally before landing.



 

Audio Guided Solution

Click to show or hide the answer!




Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

  • Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
  • Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. 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 = ???.
  • Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
  • Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.


 

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Vectors and Projectiles at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.


 

Watch It!

Try our YouTube video on the topic of ...