To solve this problem, we need to break it down into manageable parts using the principles of projectile motion. We know that the ball is projected from a height and strikes the ground after 5 seconds at a specific angle. Let's go through the calculations step by step.
Understanding the Motion
The ball is projected at an angle of 30° above the horizontal. The time of flight is 5 seconds, and it hits the ground at an angle of 45°. We can use these details to find both the height of the tower and the initial speed of the ball.
Step 1: Analyzing the Final Velocity
When the ball strikes the ground at a 45° angle, we can infer that the horizontal and vertical components of its velocity are equal. Let's denote the final velocity components as \( V_{fx} \) and \( V_{fy} \). Since the angle is 45°, we have:
Step 2: Calculating the Final Velocity Components
The vertical component of the velocity can be calculated using the formula:
- \( V_{fy} = V_{iy} - g \cdot t \)
Where \( V_{iy} \) is the initial vertical velocity, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), and \( t \) is the time of flight (5 seconds). The initial vertical velocity can be expressed as:
- \( V_{iy} = V_i \cdot \sin(30°) \)
Substituting this into the equation gives:
- \( V_{fy} = V_i \cdot \sin(30°) - g \cdot 5 \)
Step 3: Finding the Initial Velocity
Since \( V_{fx} \) is equal to \( V_{fy} \), we can express the horizontal component as:
- \( V_{fx} = V_i \cdot \cos(30°) \)
Setting \( V_{fx} \) equal to \( V_{fy} \) gives us:
- \( V_i \cdot \cos(30°) = V_i \cdot \sin(30°) - g \cdot 5 \)
Now, substituting the values of \( \sin(30°) = 0.5 \) and \( \cos(30°) = \sqrt{3}/2 \), we can simplify the equation:
- \( V_i \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = V_i \cdot 0.5 - 9.81 \cdot 5 \)
Rearranging gives:
- \( V_i \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} - V_i \cdot 0.5 = -49.05 \)
Factoring out \( V_i \) leads to:
- \( V_i \left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} - 0.5 \right) = -49.05 \)
Calculating \( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} - 0.5 \) gives approximately 0.366. Thus:
- \( V_i \cdot 0.366 = 49.05 \)
Solving for \( V_i \) yields:
- \( V_i \approx \frac{49.05}{0.366} \approx 134.5 \, \text{m/s} \)
Step 4: Finding the Height of the Tower
Now that we have the initial velocity, we can find the height of the tower using the vertical motion equation:
- \( h = V_{iy} \cdot t - \frac{1}{2} g t^2 \)
Substituting \( V_{iy} = V_i \cdot \sin(30°) = 134.5 \cdot 0.5 = 67.25 \, \text{m/s} \):
- \( h = 67.25 \cdot 5 - \frac{1}{2} \cdot 9.81 \cdot 5^2 \)
Calculating gives:
- \( h = 336.25 - 122.625 = 213.625 \, \text{m} \)
Final Results
In summary, the height of the tower is approximately 213.63 meters, and the speed with which the ball was projected is about 134.5 m/s. This example illustrates how projectile motion can be analyzed using both horizontal and vertical components to derive meaningful results.