Projectile Motion 1 Answers

 

1) What are the x- and y-coordinates of the projectile at:

     (a) t = 0 s?          (b) t = 2.4 s?          (c) t = 4.8 s?

     (a) 0,0 m             (b) 20.4 m, 28 m   (c) 41 m, 0 (approximate due to cursor sensitivity)

 
2) What is the significance of the x and y-coordinates at these times?
     The x- and y- coordinates represent the position of the projectile.
 
3) (a) Using the cursor, determine the difference in height of the two projectiles at points A and B.
         Height of B = 33 m and height of A = 23.2 m. Δy = 32 m - 23.2 m = 9.8 m.
 
    (b) Confirm your results by using the appropriate kinematics equation(s).
         For B: Δy = vi * Δt = 23.5 m/s * 1.4 s = 32.9 m
         For A: Δy = vi * Δt + 1/2*g*Δt2 = 23.5 m/s * 1.4 s - 4.90 m/s2 * (1.4 s)2 = 23.3 m
         Δy = 32.9 m - 23.3 m = 9.6 m
 
4) Is there any air resistance acting on the projectile? How do you know?
    Air resistance is a not a factor in the animation. Air resistance depends on two factors: size and speed of
    the projectile.  The size of the projectile is constant and the speed is variable. Air resistance would be more
    pronounced in the descent of the projectile because it is increasing speed on the way down. The
    animation clearly shows the parabola is symmetrical with both halves being identical.
 
5) How do the upward and downward velocities compare? Support your answer.
    Because air resistance is not a factor, the only force acting on the projectile is Fw, the weight of the
    projectile. The same net force will provide the same acceleration (-g) and the magnitude of the velocities
    will be equal.
 
6) How do the initial and final horizontal velocities of the projectile compare? Justify your answer.
    The horizontal acceleration of the projectile is zero in the absence of any horizontal forces. The horizontal
    motion of the projectile is an example of Newton's 1st Law and it follows that both velocities are equal.
 

 

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