(Classical Mechanics (with calc, but algebra could help)) Hi! I am stumped, but I feel like I should be able to get to the answer... A pitcher has a throwing speed that is a function of the angle the ball is thrown at. The problem is below, along with what I've thought of.

Question

theeric · Answer

$\sf\Large\color{orange}{The\ Problem}$
"A baseball pitcher can throw a ball more easily horizontally than vertically. Assume that the pitcher's throwing speed varies with elevation angle approximately as $v_0cos\dfrac{1}{2}\theta_0$, where $\theta_0$ is the initial elevation angle and $v_0$ is the initial velocity when the ball is thrown horizontally.
Find the angle $\theta_0$ at which the ball must be thrown to achieve maximum (problem a:) height and (problem b) range."

That's the part I need help with..

$\sf\Large\color{orange}{My\ thoughts...}$
I've thought of using $v_y = \left(v_0\ \cos\left(\dfrac{1}{2} \theta_0\right)\right)\sin\theta_0+gt$ and setting $v_y=0$. I tried to do the same with $v_y^2=v_0\ \cos\left(\dfrac{1}{2}\theta_0\right)+2gh$, but to no avail. I also thought of looking at $y(t)$ and finding the maximum of its function, but that looks to difficult.

I'm a slow learner, but I like to learn! Thanks for any help!

anonymous · Answer

(A)
You can use $$V_{yfinal}^2 = V_{yinitial}^2 + 2(-g)(Y_{final} -Y_{initial}) $$ where $$V_{yfinal} = 0m , Y_{initial} = 0 m/s,  V_{yinitial} = (v_0cos(\frac{1}{2} \theta_0))sin\theta_0$$ and solve for Yfinal

theeric · Answer

Thank you very much! I can't believe I missed that - especially after writing that equation down! Thank you!

anonymous · Answer

(B) You can find the time it takes to reach max height then multiple by two to get the total time in the air.  Once you have the total time you can use the equation for average velocity in the x-direction to find the range:

$$V_x = \frac{Range}{Total Time}$$

theeric · Answer

Thank you very much :)

anonymous · Answer

your welcome

theeric · Answer

Wait.. I have to re-ask this. We could find $Y_\text{final}$, but not $\theta_0$! I have found $Y_\text{fintal}$.

anonymous · Answer

From the look of the problem setup there are no numbers... it looks like you are finding a formula for $$\theta_0$$

theeric · Answer

Right.. I have to solve for what $\theta_0$ would be to attain a maximum height. And, after that, I have to solve for a $\theta_0$ that would give the maximum range. They will both be functions of $v_0$. I should be able to calculate $\theta_0$ in each case by knowing $v_0$ and using substitution.

I posted a new question, if you want to look there!