Question

A circus act consists of a performer (a "human cannonball") being launched from a cannon into a net at the other end of the stage. The performer (mass 60 kg) leaves the cannon at a speed of 25 m/s at an angle of 30^o above horizontal. She comes out of the cannon at a height of 2 meters above the ground and lands in the net at a horizontal distance of 45 meters away from the launch point.

Let +x be from the cannon to the net and +y be up. Use g = 9.8 m/s² for the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity. Neglect air friction.

It is easier to visualize if you make a labeled diagram with all the information in the problem.

1. Time is the only quantity that connects the x and y motion. So often, you will need to solve for time using one direction and then substitute it into the other direction.

How long is the performer in the air before hitting the net? Answer in seconds.

Hint: think about what information you know at the end and use that!  

2. How high above the ground is the net? Answer in meters

3. What is the human cannonball's speed just before she hits the net? Answer in m/s.

Hint: the speed is the magnitude of the velocity. You will need to find the y component of the velocity.

Answer 1