Skip to main content
Ch. 4 - Applications of Derivatives
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 4, Problema 48

The range R of a projectile fired from the origin over horizontal ground is the distance from the origin to the point of impact. If the projectile is fired with an initial velocity at an angle with the horizontal, then in Chapter 13 we find that R-v_0^2/g(sin 2α) where g is the downward acceleration due to gravity. Find the angle α for which the range R is the largest possible.

Guida verificata passo dopo passo
1
To find the angle \( \alpha \) that maximizes the range \( R \), we start with the given formula for the range: \( R = \frac{v_0^2}{g} \sin(2\alpha) \).
Recognize that the expression \( \sin(2\alpha) \) is maximized when \( \sin(2\alpha) = 1 \), because the sine function reaches its maximum value of 1.
Set \( \sin(2\alpha) = 1 \) to find the angle \( 2\alpha \). This occurs when \( 2\alpha = \frac{\pi}{2} + 2k\pi \), where \( k \) is an integer.
Solve for \( \alpha \) by dividing both sides of the equation \( 2\alpha = \frac{\pi}{2} \) by 2, giving \( \alpha = \frac{\pi}{4} \).
Thus, the angle \( \alpha \) that maximizes the range \( R \) is \( \frac{\pi}{4} \) radians, or 45 degrees.

Risposta video verificata per un problema simile:

Questa soluzione video è stata consigliata dai nostri tutor come utile per risolvere questo problema.
Durata del video:
6m

Concetti chiave

Ecco i concetti essenziali che devi comprendere per rispondere correttamente alla domanda.

Projectile Motion

Projectile motion refers to the motion of an object thrown or projected into the air, subject to only the acceleration of gravity. It involves two components: horizontal motion with constant velocity and vertical motion with constant acceleration due to gravity. Understanding these components is crucial for analyzing the trajectory and range of a projectile.
Video consigliato:
Percorso guidato
06:51
Derivatives Applied To Acceleration Example 2

Trigonometric Functions

Trigonometric functions, such as sine and cosine, are essential for resolving the components of projectile motion. In this context, the function sin(2α) is used to determine the range of the projectile. These functions help in calculating angles and distances in problems involving periodic phenomena or circular motion.
Video consigliato:
Percorso guidato
6:04
Introduction to Trigonometric Functions

Optimization in Calculus

Optimization involves finding the maximum or minimum values of a function. In this problem, we need to find the angle α that maximizes the range R of the projectile. This requires understanding how to use derivatives to find critical points and determine whether they correspond to maxima or minima, a fundamental concept in calculus.
Video consigliato:
10:13
Intro to Applied Optimization: Maximizing Area
Pratica correlata