Question

The record distance in the sport of throwing cowpats is 81.1 m. This record toss was set by Steve Urner of the United States in 1981. Assume the initial launch angle was 45° and neglect air resistance.

(a) Determine the initial speed of the projectile.
m/s

(b) Determine the total time the projectile was in flight.
s

(c) Qualitatively, how would the answers change if the launch angle were greater than 45°? Explain.

Answer 1

time of flying let T is double of time of it reach maximum height

at max height vertical component of velocity is zero

so

v=u+at

where u is the initail velocity and v is the fianl velocity =0, a=-g

0=v_isin45-gt

t=v_isin45/g

now range=v_icos45_*2t=81.1

2*v_icos45*v_isin45/9.81=81.1

v_i=28.20622 m/s

T=2t=2*28.206022*sin45/9.81=4.066sec

if we increase or decrease the angle from 45 degree range will decrease so for maximum range it should be 45 degree with respect to horizontal