Projectile motion and mechanical energy and a bunch of other stuff help

Thread starter duhfluteplaye
Start date Dec 15, 2011
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Energy Mechanical Mechanical energy Motion Projectile Projectile motion

In summary, projectile motion refers to the motion of an object that is launched or thrown into the air and is influenced by both horizontal and vertical forces. The trajectory of a projectile can be calculated using the equations of motion, which take into account the initial velocity, angle of launch, and acceleration due to gravity. Mechanical energy is the sum of an object's kinetic energy and potential energy and is conserved in a closed system. However, air resistance, or drag, can affect the motion of a projectile and more complex equations and models are needed to account for it.

Dec 15, 2011

duhfluteplaye

Projectile motion and mechanical energy and a bunch of other stuff...help

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Dec 15, 2011

PeterO

Homework Helper

Judging by your entry for part 1., you have not encountered any problems yet. Well done!

Dec 15, 2011

McKeavey

You may want to edit it :)

1. What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion refers to the motion of an object that is launched or thrown into the air and is influenced by both horizontal and vertical forces. The object follows a curved path known as a parabola due to the effects of gravity.

2. How is the trajectory of a projectile calculated?

The trajectory of a projectile can be calculated using the equations of motion, which take into account the initial velocity, angle of launch, and acceleration due to gravity. It can also be visualized using a graph of position vs. time, which will show the parabolic shape of the projectile's path.

3. What is mechanical energy?

Mechanical energy is the sum of an object's kinetic energy and potential energy. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position or configuration in a system.

4. How is mechanical energy conserved in a system?

In a closed system, mechanical energy is conserved, meaning it remains constant over time. This is because energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between different forms. In the case of projectile motion, mechanical energy is conserved as the object's potential energy decreases due to gravity while its kinetic energy increases.

5. How does air resistance affect projectile motion?

Air resistance, or drag, can have a significant impact on the motion of a projectile. It acts in the opposite direction of the object's motion and can cause it to slow down, change direction, or fall to the ground sooner than expected. To account for air resistance, more complex equations and models are needed, such as the drag equation or the use of computer simulations.