In physics, it is important to use mathematical approximations. (a) Demonstrate that for small angles (< 20°) tan α ≈ sin α ≈ α = π α ’ 180 ° where α is in radians and α’ is in degrees. (b) Use a calculator to find the Largest angle for which tan α may be approximated by α with an error less than 10.0%.
In physics, it is important to use mathematical approximations. (a) Demonstrate that for small angles (< 20°) tan α ≈ sin α ≈ α = π α ’ 180 ° where α is in radians and α’ is in degrees. (b) Use a calculator to find the Largest angle for which tan α may be approximated by α with an error less than 10.0%.
Solution Summary: The author compares the values of mathrmsinalpha, pialpha, and the largest angle, which is 31°.
In physics, it is important to use mathematical approximations. (a) Demonstrate that for small angles (< 20°)
tan
α
≈
sin
α
≈
α
=
π
α
’
180
°
where α is in radians and α’ is in degrees. (b) Use a calculator to find the Largest angle for which tan α may be approximated by α with an error less than 10.0%.
Part C
Find the height yi
from which the rock was launched.
Express your answer in meters to three significant figures.
Learning Goal:
To practice Problem-Solving Strategy 4.1 for projectile motion problems.
A rock thrown with speed 12.0 m/s and launch angle 30.0 ∘ (above the horizontal) travels a horizontal distance of d = 19.0 m before hitting the ground. From what height was the rock thrown? Use the value g = 9.800 m/s2 for the free-fall acceleration.
PROBLEM-SOLVING STRATEGY 4.1 Projectile motion problems
MODEL: Is it reasonable to ignore air resistance? If so, use the projectile motion model.
VISUALIZE: Establish a coordinate system with the x-axis horizontal and the y-axis vertical. Define symbols and identify what the problem is trying to find. For a launch at angle θ, the initial velocity components are vix=v0cosθ and viy=v0sinθ.
SOLVE: The acceleration is known: ax=0 and ay=−g. Thus, the problem becomes one of…
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