Re: Scientific method was physical pendulums/ an opportunity

[Rick Tarara <rbtarara@SPRYNET.COM>]

While I haven't taken the time to fully solve the problem, I think your
non-dependence on 'g' certainly will depend on the interpretation of the
problem.  If the 215 m maximum distance is interpreted as the maximum
distance AT THE LOCATION WHERE g = whatever, then I can believe the answer
might be independent of g.  However, if the maximum range is 215 where g =
9.81 m/s^2 and the golfer then goes to the moon, I strongly suspect the
range will be considerably greater--certainly the level ground hit is 6
times farther.

Just nit-picking  ;-)

Rick

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Richard W. Tarara
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
219-284-4664
rtarara@saintmarys.edu

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----- Original Message -----
From: Leigh Palmer <palmer@SFU.CA>
> Leigh
>
> A golfer who can hit a ball a maximum distance of 215 m
> on level ground, stands at the edge of a 50 m vertical
> cliff and hits a ball out to sea so that it starts with
> an angle of 40 degrees to the horizontal. At what
> distance from the base of the cliff does the ball land?
> (Neglect air resistance and use g = 9.81 m/s^2.)
>
> What's the thrill in this dull problem? I never before
> noticed that the answer does not depend upon g!