[Phys-L] Re: projectiles

[anthony_lapinski at PDS.ORG (Anthony Lapinski)]

I actually tried an initial height of 1 m and initial speed of 1 m/s. Did
a spreadsheet and got maximum range around 25°. Then I realized that the
formula, if one exists, had to be very complicated.

Forum for Physics Educators <PHYS-L@list1.ucc.nau.edu> on Thursday,
December 30, 2004 at 12:07 PM -0500 wrote:
> Regarding Anthony's comments:
>
>
> > Neglecting air resistance, we all know that the maximum range for a
> > projectile occurs when the launch angle is 45? on level ground. But
> > what if the object is launched from a cliff of height H above the
> > ground? Here, the maximum range occurs at less than 45?. I've
> > searched most of the college texts I have, but I can't find a "range
> > formula" that has the height included. Is there such an equation
> > with an initial height (similar to R = v^2 sin2q/g on level ground)?
>
>
> Rather than searching textbooks for the formula, why not just
> calculate it yourself?
>
>
> David Bowman