In a game of basketball, a forward makes a bounce pass to the center. The ball is thrown with an initial speed of 3.9 m/s at an angle of 25 degrees above the horizontal. It is released 0.75 m above the floor.

Question

In a game of basketball, a forward makes a bounce pass to the center. The ball is thrown with an initial speed of 3.9 m/s at an angle of 25 degrees above the horizontal. It is released 0.75 m above the floor. 
What horizontal distance does the ball cover before bouncing?

bobpursley · Answer

Break up the initial velocity in to horizontal and vertical components. vertical Vi=3.9sin25 hf=ho+vi*t-4.9t^2 0=.75+3.9sin25*t-4.9t^2 solve for time in air, t. Then Horizontal distance=3.9cos25*t