Calculate the distance of an Ultimate Frisbee throw based on initial velocity and angle
The distance a Frisbee travels when thrown depends on several factors including initial velocity, angle of release, air resistance, and spin. The basic physics behind a Frisbee throw involves projectile motion, where the Frisbee's trajectory is influenced by gravity and aerodynamic factors.
The formula to calculate the distance of a thrown Frisbee simplifies the complex aerodynamics but generally follows the equation for projectile range: R = (v^2)*sin(2θ)/g, where 'R' is the range or distance, 'v' is the initial velocity, 'θ' is the angle of throw, and 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s^2).
For a more accurate calculation, factors such as air resistance and the Frisbee's aerodynamic characteristics would be considered. However, for a basic estimation, the projectile motion equation provides a good approximation. Wikipedia on Projectile Motion
| Initial Velocity (m/s) | Angle of Throw (degrees) | Calculated Distance (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 45 | 40.8 |
| 25 | 40 | 62.7 |