Mechanics: Vectors and Projectiles
Vectors and Projectiles: Audio Guided Solution
Problem Set VP16, Question 2:
A punter kicks a football at an angle of 28.6 degrees with the horizontal at an initial speed of 20.9 m/s.
a. What distance (in meters) away should a punt returner position himself to catch the ball just before it strikes the ground?
b. To what vertical height (in meters) does the football rise above the initial location?
Audio Guided Solution
Description of Part A Solution:
Audio Guided Solution
Description of Part B 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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