Two particles are fired simultaneously from the ground at time $t=0$ - HSC - SSCE Mathematics Extension 1 - Question 6 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 6
Two particles are fired simultaneously from the ground at time $t=0$.
Particle 1 is projected from the origin at an angle, $0 < \theta < \frac{\pi}{2}$, with an in... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Two particles are fired simultaneously from the ground at time $t=0$ - HSC - SSCE Mathematics Extension 1 - Question 6 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
(i) Show that, while both particles are in flight, \n$L^2 = 2V^2t^2(1 - \sin \theta) - 2aV\cos \theta + a^2.$
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To find the distance L between the two particles, we can use the equation derived from their positions:
The positions of the particles are given as:
Particle 1: x1=Vcosθ⋅t,y1=Vsinθ⋅t−21gt2
Particle 2: x2=a,y2=Vt−21gt2
The distance L is given by:
L=(x1−x2)2+(y1−y2)2
Substituting the equations:
L=(Vcosθ⋅t−a)2+(Vsinθ⋅t−21gt2−Vt+21gt2)2
Simplifying:
The y-component simplifies to:
y1−y2=(Vsinθ−V)t
Plug this into L:
L=(Vcosθ⋅t−a)2+(Vsinθ−V)2t2
Finally, to derive L2:
L2=(Vcosθ⋅t−a)2+(V(sinθ−1)t)2
This leads to the equation as required.
Step 2
(ii) Show that the distance between the particles in flight is smallest when
t = \frac{a \cos \theta}{2V(1 - \sin \theta)}
and that this smallest distance is \sqrt{\frac{a}{2}(1 - \sin \theta)}.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To find the minimum distance, we need to differentiate L with respect to t and set it to zero.
Initially, we find L2 from previous steps and differentiate:
dtd(L2)=0
Using the result of the differentiation:
We set t using the formula derived:
t=2V(1−sinθ)acosθ
Substitute back into the distance formula to find the smallest distance:
Lmin=2a(1−sinθ).
Step 3
(iii) Show that the smallest distance between the two particles in flight occurs while Particle 1 is ascending if
$V > \frac{a \cos \theta}{\sqrt{2} \sin \theta(1 - \sin \theta)}$
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To show the condition for Particle 1 to be ascending:
Particle 1 ascends as long as its vertical velocity is positive:
The vertical component is given by Vsinθ−gt>0.
Substitute t at its minimum distance into this condition:
Vsinθ>g2V(1−sinθ)acosθ
Rearranging gives:
V>2sinθ(1−sinθ)acosθ
This proves the necessary condition for Particle 1's ascent.