Chapter 5, Problem 68P

A shot putter launches a 7.260 kg shot by pushing it along a straight line of length 1.650 m and at an angle of 34.10° from the horizontal, accelerating the shot to the launch speed from its initial speed of 2.500 m/s (which is due to the athlete’s preliminary motion). The shot leaves the hand at a height of 2.110 m and at an angle of 34.10°, and it lands at a horizontal distance of 15.90 m. What is the magnitude of the athlete’s average force on the shot during the acceleration phase? (Hint: Treat the motion during the acceleration phase as though it were along a ramp at the given angle.)