How Do Projectile Motion Concepts Apply to Real-World Physics Problems?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on applying projectile motion concepts to real-world physics problems, specifically using the equations of motion. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding that horizontal and vertical motions are independent; horizontal motion remains constant while vertical motion is influenced by gravity. Key equations discussed include the basic motion equation x(t) = x0 + v0t + (1/2)at² and its application to determine the time a projectile is in the air and its displacement. The conversation highlights the significance of correctly interpreting these equations to solve projectile motion problems effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics and motion equations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of horizontal and vertical motion
  • Knowledge of acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²)
  • Ability to interpret and apply parametric equations for two-dimensional motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the equation x(t) = x0 + v0t + (1/2)at²
  • Learn about the independence of horizontal and vertical motions in projectile motion
  • Explore the use of parametric equations for analyzing two-dimensional motion
  • Practice solving real-world problems involving projectile motion using simulation tools
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of projectile motion and their applications in real-world scenarios.

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http://www.whitwellhigh.com/jcantrell/cp/conceptdev/cpcd0501.pdf

I'm looking at only the 1st page of the pdf file above

#1 How do i figure out the # of seconds the ball is in the air?
I have to draw the positions...so how do i know how many meters it is after 1 second?

for #2 should the ball be touching the ground after 4 seconds? how do i know how steep to draw the curve?

how can i explain the question to #2 (motion affected by horizontal/vertical)

I'm probably looking too much into this. Someone please explain :x
 
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Did you see the formula s = (1/2) a t2 before?

#2 will become much easier once you start with the last part of the question (how do the horizontal and vertical motion affect each other?). The answer, which you are going to remember for the rest of your (educational) life, is: they don't. The ball just keeps going horizontally at the same speed, no matter what the vertical motion is. So if you want to solve a physical problem, you can use two completely separate sets of equation (for uniform motion horizontally, and for uniformly accelerated motion due to gravity in the vertical direction).

Will that get you started?
 
CompuChip said:
Did you see the formula s = (1/2) a t2 before?

#2 will become much easier once you start with the last part of the question (how do the horizontal and vertical motion affect each other?). The answer, which you are going to remember for the rest of your (educational) life, is: they don't. The ball just keeps going horizontally at the same speed, no matter what the vertical motion is. So if you want to solve a physical problem, you can use two completely separate sets of equation (for uniform motion horizontally, and for uniformly accelerated motion due to gravity in the vertical direction).

Will that get you started?

first off, thank you for your response! =)

the formula my class got from my teacher was x(t) = 1/2 a \Deltat^2 + Vo\Deltat + Xo

so...i don't know. I'm a bit confused she didn't explain any of the equations she gave us thoroughly..

from what I'm getting from you. I plugged in x = 1/2 (10m/s^2) (1s) which gives me 5 m/s

since 1cm:5m I drew the ball falling down every 1 cm. I said the ball was in the air for 16 seconds, I don't know how to mathematically display that.

I got 1cn/s (1/16cm) but that's giving me 1/16th of a second.

-----------

For #2 I drew the ball curving down at 1cm/s since you said the speed is not affected whether going straight down or being thrown. is that what you meant?

Thanks so much
 
The basic equation for motion with constant acceleration using time is x\left(t\right)=x_0+v_0t+\frac{at^2}{2}.

x0= the initial position
v0= the initial velocity
a = the acceleration
t = the time

This gives us the position after a certain time t. x0 is where the object starts. (v0+at/2)t gives us the displacement due to the velocity.

For two dimensional motion (without air resistance), use the parametric equations:
x\left(t\right)=x_0+v_{0x}t
y\left(t\right)=y_0+v_{0y}+\frac{at^2}{2}
 
pokemonstar said:
http://www.whitwellhigh.com/jcantrell/cp/conceptdev/cpcd0501.pdf

I'm looking at only the 1st page of the pdf file above

#1 How do i figure out the # of seconds the ball is in the air?
I have to draw the positions...so how do i know how many meters it is after 1 second?

use d=0.5a(t)^2
the ball should fall to the ground from being dropped in the same time it would take the projectile to hit the ground. You know d (displacement) and a (acceleration due to gravity)

for how many metres after 1 sec sub in 1 for time


for #2 should the ball be touching the ground after 4 seconds? how do i know how steep to draw the curve?

how can i explain the question to #2 (motion affected by horizontal/vertical)

horizontal velocity is constant. Vertically there is acceleration. so one point to another going directly horizontally they should be the same distance. Going straigght down however the distance should be increasing.
I'm probably looking too much into this. Someone please explain :x

...
 
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