Kinematics Thinking Journey: Appendix A and B

Appendix A: Detailed Comparison of Object Motions With and Without Air Resistance

1. (a) Explain, in your own words, why the gradient for Graph B is steeper than that
of Graph A during the upward journey.

(b) State the gradient of Graph B at t
1
, and explain its value.

(c) Explain, in your own words, why the gradient for Graph B is gentler than that
of Graph A during the downward journey.

2. Explain why, during the upward journey, the area under graph B is less than that
of graph A.

3. Explain why, for graph B, the time taken to reach maximum height is shorter than
the time taken to return to the starting point.

4. Explain why, for graph B, the magnitude of final velocity is less than its initial
velocity.

Appendix B: Graphical Analysis of Bouncing Ball Released above Ground

1. With reference to the acceleration-time graphs, explain why:
(a) The acceleration is negative instead of positive.

(b) The acceleration hits a large positive value at t
1
, t
3
, t
5
and t
7
.

(c) The magnitude of the positive acceleration at t
7
is smaller than at t
5
.

2. With reference to the velocity-time graphs, explain:
(a) Why the maximum velocities of the ball after each bounce in the presence of
air resistance are reduced.

(b) Why the time intervals between impacts in the presence of air resistance are
shorter.

(c) How you can deduce that the net displacement of the ball at t
2
is different
from that at t
6
.

3. With reference to the displacement-time graphs, explain why the net
displacement of the ball at t
2
is different from that at t
6
.

4. Sketch the displacement-time, velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs of a
bouncing ball thrown vertically upwards until it hits the ground twice:
(a) Assuming no energy losses.

(b) Assuming energy losses upon impact.