Physics: Motion in 2D, Vectors, and Projectile Analysis

What are vectors?

Vectors are representations of magnitude and direction, expressed as arrows in two dimensions.

What force acts on a projectile after it has been launched?

The only force acting on a projectile after launch is gravity.

What does projectile motion represent?

Projectile motion represents uniform motion along the horizontal combined with uniform accelerated motion on the vertical.

What happens to the acceleration of a ball at the top of its trajectory when kicked straight upward?

The acceleration is -9.80 m/s² due to gravity, while the velocity is 0 m/s.

In the scenario of two golfers hitting balls off a cliff, whose ball hits the ground first?

Both balls hit the ground at the same time, but the ball with the larger initial velocity travels farther.

What is the definition of a projectile?

A projectile is any object that moves through the air or space, acted on only by gravity.

What is the trajectory of a projectile in free fall?

The trajectory of a projectile in free fall is a parabola.

What are the two types of projectile motion?

Horizontal Projectile Motion (zero launch angle) and Arch Projectile Motion (launched at an angle).

What does the range (dx) of a projectile refer to?

The range (dx) is the horizontal distance a projectile travels.

What does the height (dy) of a projectile refer to?

The height (dy) is the vertical distance a projectile travels.

What effect does gravity have on horizontal and vertical components of velocity?

Gravity has no effect on Vx (horizontal velocity) but changes Vy (vertical velocity) by -9.8 m/s² every second.

What is the formula for calculating the horizontal distance (dx) of a projectile?

dx = Vix * t, where Vix is the initial horizontal velocity and t is time.

What is the formula for calculating the final vertical velocity (Vfy) of a projectile?

Vfy = Viy + gt, where Viy is the initial vertical velocity and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

How do you find the components of a vector given its magnitude and direction?

Use trigonometric functions to break the vector into its x (Vix) and y (Viy) components.

What is the initial vertical velocity (Viy) of a projectile launched horizontally?

Viy = 0 m/s for horizontally launched projectiles.

What is the minimum speed needed for a climber to cross a crevasse?

The minimum speed is determined by the vertical drop and horizontal distance to ensure the climber lands safely.

What happens to the velocity of a projectile just before it hits the ground?

The velocity will be negative in the vertical direction, indicating downward motion.

What is the role of gravity in projectile motion?

Gravity accelerates the projectile downward at -9.8 m/s², affecting its vertical motion

What is the graphical representation of vectors?

Vectors are represented graphically using arrows, where the arrow's direction indicates the vector's direction and its length indicates magnitude.

What is vector decomposition?

Vector decomposition involves breaking a vector into its x and y components.

What is the effect of horizontal velocity on flight time in projectile motion?

The horizontal velocity does not affect the flight time; flight time is determined solely by the vertical motion.

What is the relationship between initial velocity and projectile trajectory?

The initial velocity, launch angle, and gravity determine the trajectory of the projectile.

What is the significance of the Pythagorean theorem in vector addition?

The Pythagorean theorem is used to calculate the magnitude of the resultant vector when adding vectors graphically.

What is the significance of time symmetry in projectile motion?

Time up equals time down when the projectile lands on level ground.