A rugby player passes the ball 7.75 m across the field, where it is caught at the same height as it left his hand. At what angle was the ball thrown if its initial speed was 12.0 m/s, assuming that the smaller of the two possible angles was used?

Question

Mathematics

Jessica Cruz

24 October, 23:56

A rugby player passes the ball 7.75 m across the field, where it is caught at the same height as it left his hand. At what angle was the ball thrown if its initial speed was 12.0 m/s, assuming that the smaller of the two possible angles was used?

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Answers (1)

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Gemma Clay · Answer 1

Given that the "launch" and "impact" heights are the same, we shall use the range equation and the time of flight equation.

(a) (b) range x=V²sin (2θ) / g

7.75m = (12 m/s) sin (2θ) / 9.8m/s²

sin (2θ) = 0.5274

hence:

2θ=arcsin 0.5274=31.83°

or 2θ=180-31.83=148.17°

hence the smaller angle will be:

31.83/2=15.915~15.92°

and the larger angle will be:

148.17/2=74.085°