What is the effect of acceleration on a projectile's motion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of acceleration on a projectile's motion, specifically examining the implications of different acceleration values and initial velocities on the change in position of a projectile. The conversation includes mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarifications related to projectile motion under varying conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation v² = vo² + 2aΔy to analyze projectile motion, suggesting that under normal circumstances on Earth, acceleration is a = -9.8 m/s².
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the initial post, seeking to understand the underlying question.
  • A participant attempts to clarify the use of the equation, emphasizing that the acceleration due to gravity is a constant force acting downwards, and suggests using g = 9.8 N/kg for consistency in units.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of assuming an upward acceleration of 9.8 m/s² while the final velocity is zero, leading to a negative Δy, indicating downward motion.
  • One participant asserts that when an object is thrown upwards, the acceleration remains 9.8 m/s² downwards, but an initial upward velocity is present, contrasting it with a scenario where the object is at rest before dropping.
  • Another participant reiterates the importance of the initial speed in the context of the described situation, emphasizing that it differs from a simple drop scenario.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of acceleration and initial velocity in projectile motion. There is no consensus on the interpretations of the scenarios presented, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the effects of varying acceleration directions and initial conditions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the direction of forces, the nature of initial velocities, and the conditions under which the equations apply. These assumptions are not universally accepted among participants.

KingKai
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The equation


v22 = vo2 + 2aΔy


is used to determine the change in position, acceleration, or velocity of a particle under the influence of a quadratic force.


on earth, the acceleration value in this equation would, under normal circumstances, be
a= -9.8 m/s2.


so, this substitutes into

v22 = vo2 + -19.6Δy

In this

Δy = v22 - vo2 / -19.6

Lets now assume that v22 is 0, the crest of a projectiles motion.

Δy = 0 - vo2 / -19.6


If the objects initial v is facing upwards, then obviously the net Δy would be positive.



Now, keeping all conditions the same, let's assume that the acceleration is 9.8m/ss upwards

This would yield

Δy = 0 - vo2 / 19.6

Δy would thus be negative, and the object would be thrown downwards, accelerating upwards.
 
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I'm sorry - was there a question in all that?
 
I just want to go through your reasoning to make sure I follow:
KingKai said:
The equation

v22 = vo2 + 2aΔy

is used to determine the change in position, acceleration, or velocity of a particle under the influence of a quadratic force.
That would be a net unbalanced force which is constant.
on earth, the acceleration value in this equation would, under normal circumstances, be
a= -9.8 m/s2.
"normal circumstances" being, +y = "upwards", Δy<<REarth, and gravity is the only force acting on the object.
so, this substitutes into

v22 = vo2 + -19.6Δy
Your value has changed somehow [x2 of course] ... better to put g=9.8N/kg so a=-g so it does not matter what units you want to work in just yet... you get:$$v_2^2=v_0^2-2g\Delta y$$
In this

Δy = v22 - vo2 / -19.6
$$\Delta y = \frac{v_2^2-v_0^2}{-2g} = \frac{v_0^2-v_2^2}{2g}$$
Lets now assume that v22 is 0, the crest of a projectiles motion.

Δy = 0 - vo2 / -19.6
$$\Delta y = \frac{v_0^2}{2g} > 0$$
If the objects initial v is facing upwards, then obviously the net Δy would be positive.
No problems there.
Now, keeping all conditions the same, let's assume that the acceleration is 9.8m/ss upwards
All conditions?
So you put gravity upwards, and the final velocity is zero, but the assumption that the initial velocity is also upwards is incorrect - as you found below:
This would yield

Δy = 0 - vo2 / 19.6
$$\Delta y = \frac{0-v_0^2}{2g}=-\frac{v_0^2}{2g} < 0$$
Δy would thus be negative, and the object would be thrown downwards, accelerating upwards.
Well ... you did specify that the final velocity is zero ... if the object were thrown upwards with an upwards acceleration, that would not be the case would it?
 
Last edited:
When an object is thrown upwards, the acceleration is still 9.8 m/s2 downwards, but there is now an initial upward velocity imposed on the object which was simply not present in the case where the object was initially at rest and allowed to drop.
 
Chestermiller said:
When an object is thrown upwards, the acceleration is still 9.8 m/s2 downwards, but there is now an initial upward velocity imposed on the object which was simply not present in the case where the object was initially at rest and allowed to drop.
Not the situation described though - here there was an initial speed.
 

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