Projectile Motion
Students are introduced to the concept of projectile motion, of which they are often familiar from life experiences, such as playing sports like basketball and baseball, even though they may not understand the physics involved. Students use tabletop-sized robots to build projectile throwers and measure motion using sensors. They compute distances and velocities using simple kinematic equations and confirm their results through measurements by hand. To apply the concept, students calculate the necessary speed of an object to reach a certain distance in a hypothetical scenario: A group of hikers stranded at the bottom of a cliff need food, but rescuers cannot deliver it themselves, so they must devise a way to get the food to the hikers. A student worksheet is provided.
Understanding and predicting projectile motion, as illustrated by the path of the water, is critical to many engineering designs.Copyright http://www1.appstate.edu/dept/physics/labs/QuickGuides/1103-1104/motion2D1103.htm
Understanding projectile motion is important to many engineering designs. Any engineered design that includes a projectile, an object in motion close to the Earth's surface subject to gravitational acceleration, requires an understanding of the physics involved in projectile motion. This includes machines such as motocross bikes made for launching off jumps to weapons such as missiles, turrets and high-powered cannons. NASA engineers apply projectile motion concepts as they predict the paths of meteorites that may enter the Earth's atmosphere or disrupt satellite transmissions. The combination of a physical understanding of projectile motion and the mathematical ability to solve equations enables engineers (as well as young students) to predict projectile trajectories.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe the trajectory of an object in projectile motion.
- Determine how far an object will travel based on initial conditions.