Kinemetics
What is the definition of projectile motion?
Projectile motion is the motion of an object thrown or projected into the air, subject only to the force of gravity and air resistance (if present).
What is the equation for the vertical velocity of a projectile?
Vy = vsin(θ)
Give an example of projectile motion in sports.
Examples of projectile motion in sports include a soccer ball being kicked or a basketball shot into the hoop.
List the equipment for measuring data for a projectile motion experiment.
Equipment includes:
Projectile launcher
Measuring tape or a ruler
Stopwatch
How does the launch angle affect the range of a projectile?
The launch angle affects the range by determining the horizontal and vertical components of velocity. The range is maximised at a launch angle of 45 degrees for a given initial speed.
What is the equation for the horizontal displacement of a projectile when time of flight is measured as t?
R = vcos(θ)*t
How do engineers use projectile motion in designing buildings?
Engineers use projectile motion to design parabolic arches and trajectories for cranes or bridges.
Describe an experiment that can be used to analyse projectile motion
In an experiment, launch a projectile at different angles and measure the range, maximum height, and time of flight. Record data for analysis.
Describe the difference between horizontal and vertical motion in projectile motion.
Horizontal motion is uniform (constant velocity), as there are no forces acting in the horizontal direction (ignoring air resistance). Vertical motion is uniformly accelerated motion due to the force of gravity.
Write the equations for calculating time of flight for a projectile.
Given v is initial velocity, θ islaunching angle, g is gravitational acceleration
t = 2v*sin (θ) / g
Explain how understanding projectile motion can help in space exploration.
In space exploration, understanding projectile motion helps calculate escape velocity and trajectories for satellites and spacecraft, and predict landing location of rockets.
What does a height vs. time graph look like for a projectile?
A height vs. time graph for a projectile shows a parabolic curve, with upward motion followed by downward motion.
If a projectile is launched at an angle of 30 degrees, what are its horizontal and vertical components?
Vx = v*cos30
Vy= v*sin30
Derive a formula to calculate maximum height
Given v is initial velocity, θ islaunching angle, g is gravitational acceleration
H = (v*sin (θ))^2 / 2g
Explain how military applications utilise projectile motion principles.
Military applications use projectile motion principles to predict the range and impact point of missiles and artillery.
How do you interpret a vertical velocity vs. time graph for a projectile?
A vertical velocity vs. time graph:
Vertical velocity starts positive, decreases to zero at maximum height, then becomes negative as the projectile falls.
Derive the formula for the range of a projectile launched from ground level.
Given: v is initial velocity, θ is the launch angle, g is gravitational acceleration
The range of a projectile launched from ground level is derived as:
R=2*v^2*sin(θ)cos(θ)/g
Given an initial velocity of 20 m/s at an angle of 45 degrees, find the time of flight. Give answer in 3 significant figures.
2.88s
What role does projectile motion play in video game physics?
Video games use projectile motion for realistic animations of characters and objects, such as thrown grenades or jumping physics.
Describe the acceleration vs. time graphs for a projectile in free fall.
The vertical acceleration vs. time graph shows a constant value of −9.8 m/s2 throughout the vertical motion.
The horizontal acceleration vs. time graph shows a constant value of 0 m/s2 throughout the horizontal motion.