Question

In a very popular lecture demonstration, a projectile is fired at a falling target as in Figure 1. The projectile leaves the gun at the same instant the target is dropped from rest. The gun is initially aimed at the target. (Throughout the problem, let us assume that the projectile reaches the target before the target strikes the floor.)

a) Write down the equations for x- and y-components of the coordinates of the projectile as a function of time. Choose the origin of your coordinates system where the projectile leaves the gun.

b) Write down the equation for y-component of the coordinates of the target as a function of time.

c) Find the time tCol when the projectile will have the same x-coordinate as the target.

d) Find the y-coordinate of the projectile at time tCol.

e) Fine the y-coordinate of the target at time tCol.

f) Using the result of part (d) and (e), show that the projectile will hit the target.

please explain why you use each equation in parts a,b,c,d,e,f

Answer 1

Number 1,2,3,4,5,6 in answer pictures represents a,b,c,d,e,f respectively