Physics: Note 3

PROJECTILE MOTION: PROJECTILE LAUNCHED AT AN ANGLE

Recall
1. If there is an external unbalanced  force, the object will accelerate
2. If the net force is equal to zero, the acceleration is also equal to zero
3. If the acceleration is equal to zero, the velocity is constant
4. The horizontal acceleration is equal to zero
5. The vertical velocity is not constant
6. The initial vertical velocity is always equal to zero
7. The initial horizontal velocity is equal to the final horizontal velocity
vx is constant while vy is changing because of the acceleration due to
gravity

Projectile Launched at a Certain Angle

A projectile launched at a certain angle from the ground that will end at the same
level of ground of the point of release
Two-dimensional
Velocity, acceleration, displacement, and time
Follows at a parabolic trajectory

Velocity
Velocity for a projectile launched at a certain angle is not purely horizontal nor
vertical
v0x - initial vertical velocity
v0y - initial horizontal velocity

Finding the Horizontal and Vertical Component of Velocity

In finding the horizontal and vertical component of velocity, use the trigonometric
functions (SOH CAH TOA)
Move v0y to create a right triangle

v0x - adjacent (horizontal)

v0y - opposite (vertical)

Horizontal Initial Velocity (Adjacent Side)

Use CAH
Given: Hypothenuse
Finding: Adjacent

cos θ = adj/ hyp

adj = hyp x cos θ
v0x = (v0) cos θ
Vertical Initial Velocity (Opposite Side)
Use SOH
Given: Hypothenuse
Finding: Opposite

sin θ = opp/ hyp

opp = hyp x sin θ
v0x = (v0) sin θ

Vertical Velocity at Peak Height

vy = zero
Can be the final velocity for first half
Can be the initial velocity for the second half

Horizontal Velocity at Peak Height

Same as horizontal initial velocity
horizontal velocity is constant
Horizontal Final Velocity
vfx= v0x
The velocity is constant

Vertical Final Velocity

vfy = gt
Velocity is changing

Final Velocity
Use the Pythagorean Theorem
vf = sqrt vfx2 + vfy2

Note:

Time
Split the time into two
 t1 and t2
Must both have the same value
Time is symmetrical

Time of Flight
Refers to the total time from when the object is projected to the time it reaches the
surface
T = t1 + t2

Horizontal Displacement
Also know as range (Δx)
Δx = vx T(time of flight)

Vertical Displacement
Can be computed with the upward or downward  trajectory
First half of the trajectory( upward) - upward vertical displacement (+ y)
Second half of the trajectory (downward) - downward vertical displacement (-
y)

1. First half of trajectory

y = 0 - 1/2gt2

If time is not given:

y = 0'2-voy'2/2g

2. Second half trajectory

y = 1/2 gt2

If time is not given:

y = vfy2 - 02 / 2g