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Lecture Notes - Projectile Motion

The document discusses projectile motion and its key characteristics including initial velocity, gravity, air resistance, horizontal and vertical components of motion, range equations, and applications to sports and engineering. Projectile motion refers to the trajectory of objects under the influence of gravity and can be analyzed using equations that take into account launch angle and initial velocity.

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gellert grindelwald
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252 views3 pages

Lecture Notes - Projectile Motion

The document discusses projectile motion and its key characteristics including initial velocity, gravity, air resistance, horizontal and vertical components of motion, range equations, and applications to sports and engineering. Projectile motion refers to the trajectory of objects under the influence of gravity and can be analyzed using equations that take into account launch angle and initial velocity.

Uploaded by

gellert grindelwald
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

**Lecture Notes: Projectile Motion**

**I. Introduction:**

A. Definition: Projectile motion refers to the motion of an object projected into the air, subject to the
force of gravity and air resistance, if present.

B. Key Characteristics: Horizontal and vertical components of motion.

**II. Components of Projectile Motion:**

A. Initial Velocity:

1. Speed and direction at which the projectile is launched.


2. Decomposed into horizontal (Vx) and vertical (Vy) components.

B. Gravity:

1. Acts vertically downward.

2. Affects the vertical motion of the projectile.

C. Air Resistance:

1. Opposition to the motion of the projectile through the air.

2. More significant at higher speeds and for objects with larger surface areas.

**III. Horizontal Motion:**

A. Constant Velocity:

1. In the absence of air resistance, the horizontal component (Vx) remains constant.

2. No horizontal acceleration.

B. Range:

1. The horizontal distance covered by the projectile.

2. Affected by the initial velocity and launch angle.


**IV. Vertical Motion:**

A. Acceleration due to Gravity:

1. The only force acting vertically on the projectile.

2. Causes a constant acceleration downward (g ≈ 9.8 m/s²).

B. Vertical Velocity (Vy):

1. Decreases during upward motion.

2. Increases during downward motion.

C. Vertical Displacement:

1. Maximum height reached during the trajectory.

2. Determined by the initial velocity and launch angle.

D. Time of Flight:

1. Total time the projectile is in the air.

2. Affected by the initial velocity and launch angle.

**V. Trajectory and Range Equation:**

A. Trajectory:

1. The path followed by the projectile.

2. Parabolic shape due to the combination of horizontal and vertical motions.

B. Range Equation:

\[ R = \frac{V_0^2 \sin(2\theta)}{g} \]

where:

- \( R \) is the range,

- \( V_0 \) is the initial velocity,

- \( \theta \) is the launch angle,

- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity.


**VI. Projectile Motion in Real Life:**

A. Practical Applications:

1. Sports: Understanding projectile motion aids athletes in optimizing their performance.

2. Engineering: Designing trajectories for objects like missiles or projectiles.

**VII. Conclusion:**

A. Recap of key points: Projectile motion is a fundamental concept in physics, describing the motion of
objects under the influence of gravity. Understanding the interplay between horizontal and vertical
components, the effects of initial velocity and launch angle, and calculating parameters such as range
and time of flight are crucial for analyzing and predicting the motion of projectiles in various scenarios.

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