shot put physics

[sirtrackalot]

ok. i am looking to see the direct path a shot put takes to go 35 feet. I have a girl who is 5'7 and i want to know the best angle to throw. what will be the highest height the throw should be and at what distance from the toe board that height should be. like ( ex. a 45 degree angle, 25 feet in the air is the max height, which occurs about 27 feet into the throw). any help..

[entropy]

I have no idea about shot putting as far a techniques, form, whatever, but from physics:

The maximum range is reached when thrown at a 45 degree angle.

Height is just a result of the velocity. So in theory the girl should throw as fast as she can while still keeping a 45 degree angle.

Range (horizontal distance) =R
θ = angle initial
v = initial velocity
g = 9.8 m/s^2

R= (v^2sin(2θ))/g

Because of the sine function here, the max value occurs when θ=45, or sin(2θ)=1, which 2θ=90

THis means Rmax= v^2/g, or the faster you throw it at 45, the longer it will go.

To find out how high it goes, you just need the angle and the speed, but in reality it doesnt matter because the height is just depends on range, which just depends on angle and speed.

edit: apparently theta θ shows as (θ) that is just angle, and something weird with the () makes it do that.

edit 2: i just realized i (distance runner) looked at the shot put board. i must really be bored.

[someguy]

i think the best angle to make use of your muscles and physics is 40 degrees

[Sully 800]

yeah the correct angle to throw the shot is less the 45 degrees. a 45 degree angle would be ideal for a normal projectile launched from the ground, but keep in mind that the shot is taking off at about 4 feet in the air, which lessens the expected angle a bit.

however, the "ideal" angle is not what most people would expect because of another factor....the shot is accelerated by the arm, which has a limited amount of force...it takes more force to accelerate the shot upward than outward because you are fighting against gravity. If you cannot get the shot moving as quickly, it will not go as far, and therefore the ideal launch angle is a lot less.....I read an article that said most people have their best throws between 35 and 40 degrees, I believe.

[someguy]

http://www.coachesinfo.com/category/athletics/47/

If you have the time, thats your answer