The horizontal and vertical components of the velocity of a projectile are respectively `v_x` and `v_y`.
Which pair of graphs best represents the velocity of the projectile?
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The horizontal and vertical components of the velocity of a projectile are respectively `v_x` and `v_y`.
Which pair of graphs best represents the velocity of the projectile?
`B`
→ There are no horizontal forces on a projectile so its horizontal velocity will remain constant.
→ The projectile experiences a constant downwards vertical acceleration due to gravity. So, its vertical velocity will decrease at a constant rate.
`=>B`
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Using the graphs, describe the velocity and acceleration of the ball quantitatively and qualitatively. (3 marks)
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a. Experimental error:
→ The distance between the ruler and the camera is less than the distance between the trajectory and the camera.
→ The effect of this is that the distance measured on the ruler will be greater than the true distance the projectile travels. So, the calculated velocity will be inaccurate as it will be greater than the true velocity.
Other errors include:
→ The camera and the ruler are off centre.
→ The effect of this is also that the distance measured on the ruler will be inaccurate.
b. → Ball is moving horizontally at a constant velocity (1st graph).
→ Quantitatively: `v=(-1.1-(-0.3))/(1-0.5)=-1.6 text{m s}^(-1).` So, the ball’s speed is 1.6 `text{m s}^(-1)`
→ The second graph shows that the ball is accelerating at a constant rate vertically downwards.
→ Quantitatively: `a=(-2.4-2.4)/(0.5)=-9.6\ text{m s}^(-2)`
a. Experimental error:
→ The distance between the ruler and the camera is less than the distance between the trajectory and the camera.
→ The effect of this is that the distance measured on the ruler will be greater than the true distance the projectile travels. So, the calculated velocity will be inaccurate as it will be greater than the true velocity.
Other errors include:
→ The camera and the ruler are off centre.
→ The effect of this is also that the distance measured on the ruler will be inaccurate.
b. → Ball is moving horizontally at a constant velocity (1st graph).
→ Quantitatively: `v=(-1.1-(-0.3))/(1-0.5)=-1.6 text{m s}^(-1).` So, the ball’s speed is 1.6 `text{m s}^(-1)`
→ The second graph shows that the ball is accelerating at a constant rate vertically downwards.
→ Quantitatively: `a=(-2.4-2.4)/(0.5)=-9.6\ text{m s}^(-2)`
A projectile is launched vertically upwards. The displacement of the projectile as a function of time is shown.
Which velocity-time graph corresponds to this motion?
`B`
By elimination:
Initially, the projectile is moving upwards (positive velocity)
→ Eliminate`A`
At `t=2` s, the projectile reaches its maximum height and has a velocity of zero.
→ Eliminate `D`
Projectile then moves downwards (negative velocity)
→ Eliminate `C`
`=>B`
The graph shows the vertical displacement of a projectile throughout its trajectory. The range of the projectile is 130 m.
Calculate the initial velocity of the projectile. (4 marks)
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37 m `text{s}^(-1)`, at 54° above the horizontal.
From the graph, at `t=3`, the projectile reaches a maximum height of 44 m:
`s_(y)` | `=u_(y)t+(1)/(2)a_(y)t^(2)` | |
`44` | `=u_(y)(3)-(1)/(2)(9.8)(3^(2))` | |
`u_(y)` | `=29.4` m `text {s}^(-1)` |
Find `u_x` given time of flight = 6 s:
`u_(x)` | `=(s_(x))/(t)` | |
`=(130)/(6)` | ||
`=21.7` m `text{s}^(-1)` |
Using Pythagoras:
`u^(2)` | `=u_(x)^(2)+u_(y)^(2)` | |
`=21.7^(2)+29.4^(2)` | ||
`u` | `=37` m `text{s}^(-1)` |
Find launch angle (`theta)`:
`tan theta` | `=(u_y)/(u_x)` | |
`theta` | `=54^(@)` |
So, `u=37` m `text{s}^(-1)`, at 54° above the horizontal.