Pre-AP Kinematics Name :______________________
2 Dimensional Motion Instructor: ________________
Projectile Example
Date Performed: ___________
Problem
Purpose – To investigate
projectiles fired at angles.
An object is fired at a speed of
14 m/s at three different angles.
Identify the trajectories in
the chart below on the diagram
to the right as v1, v2 or v3.
Resolve each of the velocity
vectors into horizontal and
vertical components.
Rank the time of flight for
each velocity.
Velocity Horizontal Component Vertical Component Time of
Flight
v1 = 14 m/s at
30
v2 = 14 m/s at
50
v3 = 14 m/s at
70
Launch the Projectile Motion simulation.
[Link]
Adjust the speed to 14 m/s then fire three projectiles at 30, 50 and 70.
Keep all other initial conditions as given.
Draw an FBD for each of the three shots and circle one of the three
choices, zero, that describes the projectile’s motion. Ignore air
resistance.
v1 while ascending v2 at the apex v3 while descending
v: v: v:
zero zero zero
a: a: a:
zero zero zero
F: F: F:
zero zero zero
Circle either constant, changing or zero, draw an arrow in the direction of
the velocity and give the value of the acceleration of the projectile while
in the air. Ignore air resistance.
While the projectile is ascending its:
horizontal velocity is constant/changing/zero and points ______ and the
acceleration is ________
vertical velocity is constant/changing/zero and points ________ and the
acceleration is ________
When the projectile is at the apex its:
horizontal velocity is constant/changing/zero and points ______ and the
acceleration is ________
vertical velocity is constant/changing/zero and points ________ and the
acceleration is ________
While the projectile is descending its:
horizontal velocity is constant/changing/zero and points ______ and the
acceleration is ________
vertical velocity is constant/changing/zero and points ________ and the
acceleration is ________
In the chart to the right, Horizontal Vertical
identify each of the following Equation
Motion Motion
equations as describing either d
horizontal or vertical motion. v
t
List the two different types of v vi
motion.
a f
t
______________, ______________
1
d v i t at 2
Which type of motion describes 2
the horizontal equation(s) v f vi
2 2
_________________________ a
2d
Which type of motion describes the vertical equation(s)
_________________________
What ties the horizontal and vertical equations of motion together?
_________________________
Rewrite the equations below adding the subscripts “x” and “y” to the
appropriate variables. Where appropriate replace the acceleration “a” with
“g”.
Projectile Motion Equation
Equation Horizontal (X) Vertical (Y)
d
v becomes
t
v vi
a f becomes
t
1
d v i t at 2 becomes
2
v f vi
2 2
a becomes
2d
Adjust the cannon’s position until the crosshair on
the cannon lies on the horizon (ground level).
Fire a projectile at 14 m/s at 40 above the
horizontal. Calculate the time of flight, the
range and the maximum height of the projectile. Use the tape measure to
check your answers. All measurements will be made with the tape measure in
the horizontal or vertical position.
Time of Flight Range Height
Left click on the cannon and hold. Adjust the vertical elevation of the
cannon. Fire another projectile at 14 m/s at 40 above the horizontal.
How does the vertical elevation affect the time of flight, the range and
height of the projectile?
CONCLUSION:
