The equation to be used here is the trajectory of a projectile as written below:
y = xtanθ +/- gx²/2v²(cosθ)² where y is the vertical distance x is the horizontal distance θ is the angle of trajectory or launch angle g is 9.81 m/s² v is the initial velcity
Since the angle is below horizontal, let's use the minus equation. Substituting the values:
- 0.8 m = xtan15° - (9.81 m/s²)x²/2(4.8 m/s)²(cos15°)² Solving for x, x = 2.549 m
However, we only take half of this distance because it was specified that the distance asked before bouncing. Hence, the horizontal distance is equal to 1.27 m.
The reason why there is no energy shortage nor will there ever be is because energy is being preserved and conserved and only changes form. It never gets lost or increased.
Changing the slope of the plane would show how fast the ball went when Galileo changed the steepness of the slope. If he didn’t change the slopes steepness he would have the same results each time.
