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angle α as shown in the figure. Neglecting air friction, find (a) the expressions for
the height, H = H(α), and the range, R = R(α), and (b) the radius of curvature
at point O and point M of the trajectory. (c) Show that R is maximum if α = 45o.
Acceleration a = −gj
$
Velocity v = adt = −gtj + C
The constant of integration C is a vector equal to the initial velocity at point O:
v = −gtj + (uo cos α)i + (uo sin α)j
Radius of Curvature is obtained using the formula for the normal component of the
acceleration:
v2
an =
ρ
At point M, an = g, v = uo cos α. Hence,
v 2 u2o cos2 α
ρM = =
an g
At point O, an = g cos α, v = uo . Hence
v2 u2o
ρO = =
an g cos α
In general,
5 5
v= vx2 + vy2 = (uo cos α)2 + (uo sin α − gt)2
v uo cos α uo sin α − gt uo cos α uo sin α − gt
τ̂ = =( )î + ( )ĵ; τx = ( ), τy = ( )
v v v v v
−uog sin α + g 2t
at = a · τ̂ = (−gj) · (τxi + τy j) = −gτy =
v
5 5
an = |a|2 − a2t = g 2 − a2t
v2
ρ=
an