Physics Projectile In Motion

2003 Words9 Pages
UP, UP, AND AWAY A Projectile in Motion Projectile motion was observed and recorded to determine which angle would give the maximum horizontal distance and whether two angles would yield the same horizontal distance. An estimation of the probable horizontal distance achieved by the projectile was determined through vertical measurements and a range equation, which calculated the targeted landing area as the angle changed. The results indicated that there were many angles that shared similar averages, typically those equal distances apart from the x- and y-axis. The results also indicated that the maximum average, horizontal distance achieved was when the projectile was fired at a 40° angle. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Concepts of projectile motion are implemented in everyday life, sometimes in unrecognizable forms. The motion of a basketball as it is aimed for the basket, the motion of a football being thrown to a wide receiver, and the weapons in warfare are all modern examples of projectile motion. Its importance can be dated back to when Galileo Galilei first began to study projectile motion in 1589-1592.1 Galileo had a remarkable understanding of motion; although he was unclear about acceleration due to gravity as he studied trajectory pathways.2 It was not until 1604-1608 that he discovered that projectile motion was parabolic. 1 It became clear that the pathway of the projectile relied heavily on the angle of projection. Angles at 45° yielded the maximum horizontal distance and larger angles yielded higher vertical displacements.3 The results of his studies greatly impacted warfare. Its practical use in artillery is nearly analogous to modern uses of projectile motion.3 This particular experiment intended to implement Physics by applying 2-D Kinematics, as in x-and y-components, concepts of free-fall

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