1 2

∆y = viy ∆t + a y ∆t
2
1 2
∆y = a y ∆t
2
2 ∆y
∆t =
ay

2(0.18 m)
=
9.8 m/s 2
∆t = 0.19 s
(b) Talking on a cell phone would likely increase reaction time. Students can simulate this situation by engaging in
distracting conversation with the lab partner whose reaction time is being tested.

Making Connections
14. Aristotle and Galileo influenced the philosophy and scientific thought of their respective eras, and in both cases their
influence lasted long after they died. Students can find information about these science “giants” in books and
encyclopedias, or on the Internet. For example, an advanced word search on the Internet, entering only the words Aristotle
and Galileo, found more than 20 thousand hits, many of which featured discussions of the same topics featured in the text.
15. Deductive reasoning involves using theories to account for specific experimental results. Thus, deductive reasoning uses
ideas to explain observed phenomena. Inductive reasoning involves making and collecting observations, and then
developing general theories or hypotheses to account for the observations.
(a) Aristotle and other ancient scientists used deductive reasoning.
(b) Galileo used the process of inductive reasoning. When he observed that heavy objects fall with increasing speed, he
formed the hypothesis that the speed of the object was directly proportional to the distance the object fell. When this
hypothesis proved false, he hypothesized that the speed of a falling object is directly proportional to the time, not the
distance. Through experiments, he was able to verify his hypothesis.
(c) Various ways are used to contrast these types of reasoning. For example, in deductive reasoning, particular results are
inferred from a general law, whereas in inductive reasoning, a general law is inferred from particular results. Stated
another way for deduction, conclusions follow from premises, that is the reasoning goes from the general to the
specific. In induction, premises lead to the conclusions, or the reasoning goes from the specific to the general. In
mathematics, induction involves proving a theorem using a process in which the theorem is verified for a small value of
an integer, and then extending the verification to greater values of the integer.
16. Many sites can be found by doing an advanced word search on the Internet. For example, in entering the words Luis
Alvarez, Yucatan, and dinosaurs, more than 400 sites were found, many of them highly credible. Two examples are:
www.ceemast.csupomona.edu/nova/alvarez2.html
www.space.com/scienceastronomy/planetearth/deep_impact_991228.html

1.4 PROJECTILE MOTION

PRACTICE
(Page 46)

Understanding Concepts
1. A projectile is an object that moves through the air without a propulsion system and follows a curved path. An airplane
has a propulsion system and does not follow a trajectory. Thus, an airplane is not a projectile.
2. The projectile experiences constant downward acceleration due to gravity (vertical acceleration) and the horizontal
component of acceleration is zero.
3. Let +x be to the right and +y be downward. The initial position is the position where the marble leaves the table.
(a) Horizontally (constant vix ):
vix = 1.93 m/s
∆x = ?
∆t = ?

44 Unit 1 Forces and Motion: Dynamics Copyright © 2003 Nelson

 Vertically (constant ay):
viy = 0
a y = + g = 9.80 m/s 2
∆y = 76.5 m
1
The vertical motion, ∆y = viy ∆t + a y (∆t ) 2 can be simplified to:
2
2 ∆y
∆t = ±
ay
2(0.765 m)
=±
9.80 m/s2
∆t = ±0.395 s
Since only the positive root applies, the marble takes 0.395 s to hit the floor.
(b) ∆x = ?

Using the equation for horizontal motion:

∆x = vix ∆t
= (1.93 m/s)(0.395 s)
∆x = 0.763m or 76.3 cm
The horizontal range is 76.3 cm.
(c) To determine the marble’s final velocity, determine its horizontal and vertical components.
The x-component is constant at 1.93 m/s.

The y-component is:

vfy = viy + a y ∆t
= 0 m/s + (9.8 m/s 2 )(0.395 s)
vfy = 3.87 m/s

Using the law of Pythagoras and trigonometry:

2 2 2
vf = vfx + vfy

vf = (1.93 m/s)2 + (3.87 m/s)2

vf = 4.33 m/s

vfy
θ = tan −1
vfx
3.87 m/s
= tan −1
1.93 m/s
θ = 63.5°
Thus, the final velocity of the marble just prior to landing is 4.33 m/s [63.5° below the horizontal].
4. (a) Let the +x direction be to the right and the +y direction be downward.

Horizontally (constant vix ):

vix = 8.0 m/s
∆t = 1.0 s
∆x = ?
∆x = vix ∆t
= (8.0 m/s)(1.0 s)
∆x = 8.0 m
The ∆x values at t = 0.0 s, 1.0 s, 2.0 s, and 3.0 s are shown in Table 1.

Copyright © 2003 Nelson Chapter 1 Kinematics 45

 Vertically (constant a y ):
viy = 0 m/s
ay = +g = 9.8 m/s2
∆t = 1.0 s
∆y = ?
1
∆y = viy ∆t + a y (∆t ) 2
2
1
= a y ( ∆t ) 2
2
(9.8 m/s 2 )(1.0 s) 2
=
2
∆y = +4.9 m
The ∆y values at t = 0.0 s, 1.0 s, 2.0 s, and 3.0 s are shown in Table 1.
Determine the final velocity using its horizontal and vertical components.
The x-component is constant at 8.0 m/s.

The y-component at 1.0 s is:

vfy = viy + a y ∆t
= 0 m/s + (9.8 m/s 2 )(1.0 s)
vfy = 9.8 m/s

Using the law of Pythagoras and trigonometry:

2 2 2
vf = vfx + vfy

vf = (8.0 m/s) 2 + (9.8 m/s) 2

vf = 12.65 m/s

vfy
θ = tan −1
vfx
9.8 m/s
= tan −1
8.0 m/s
θ = 50.8°
G
Therefore, vf = 13 m/s [51° below the horizontal].
The vf values for ∆t = 0.0 s, 1.0 s, 2.0 s, and 3.0 s are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Calculated Horizontal and Vertical Displacements and Instantaneous Velocity at Select Times

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0

t (s)
0.0 8.0 16 24
∆x (m)
0.0 4.9 20 44
∆y (m)
G 0.0 13 [51° below horizontal] 21 [68° below horizontal] 30 [75° below horizontal]
vf (m/s)

46 Unit 1 Forces and Motion: Dynamics Copyright © 2003 Nelson

 (b), (c)

(d) We can use components to find the average acceleration. The horizontal component of the acceleration is zero because
vx = constant = 8.0 m/s.
v1y = 9.8 m/s
v2y = 19.6 m/s
v3y = 29.4 m/s
∆t = 1.0 s
ay = ?

For the vertical acceleration between 1.0 s and 2.0 s:

v2 y − v1 y
ay =
∆t
19.6 m/s − 9.8 m/s
=
1.0 s
a y = 9.8 m/s2

For the vertical acceleration between 2.0 s and 3.0 s:

v3 y − v2 y
ay =
∆t
29.4 m/s − 19.6 m/s
=
1.0 s
2
a y = 9.8 m/s
Thus, we can conclude that the vertical acceleration is constant, and it equals the acceleration due to gravity.

Copyright © 2003 Nelson Chapter 1 Kinematics 47

5. Let +x be forward and +y be downward.
∆y = 83 cm = 0.83 m
∆x = 18.4 m
ay = 9.8 m/s2
vix = ?

Determine ∆t:
2 ∆y
∆t = ±
ay
2(0.83m)
=±
9.8 m/s 2
∆t = ±0.41 s

Now consider the horizontal component of the motion:

∆x
vix =
∆t
18.4 m
=
0.41 s
vix = 45 m/s
The ball’s initial horizontal speed is 45 m/s.

Applying Inquiry Skills

6. The apparatus shown in the text, page 46, is available commercially and is recommended as a relatively inexpensive way
of performing projectile motion experiments.
(a) Start with the vertical target plate close to the bottom of the launching ramp, say at a separation of 2.0 cm. Allow the
steel ball, initially at rest, to roll down from the top of the ramp. Mark the exact location where the ball strikes the
target plate. Repeat this procedure with the target plate at increasing distances from the ramp (e.g., 4.0 cm, 6.0 cm,
etc.), while always releasing the ball from the same height. After the trials are complete, join the dots with a smooth
curve to observe the path of the projectile. Show that the horizontal component of the motion is a constant speed
(i.e., compare all the horizontal displacements). Show that the vertical component of the motion is a vertical
acceleration of magnitude 9.8 m/s2.
(b) The diagram looks like the projectile part shown in the text, page 41, Figure 3, although the initial velocity is to the left
rather than to the right.

Making Connections
7. If cartoon characters obeyed the laws of physics, they would follow a projectile path after running off the edge of a cliff.
Of course, it is more fun to have the characters defy physics by appearing to be suspended in midair before plummeting
downward at a great velocity.

Try This Activity: Comparing Horizontal Range

(Page 49)

A spreadsheet program using the correct equations can be used to create the table. Solve for maximum height using
vfy = 0 m/s and +y downward:
vfy 2 = viy 2 + 2a y ∆y
viy 2
∆y =
2a y

− ( 25.00 m/s (sin θ ))

2

∆y =
2(−9.800 m/s 2 )
The values for the maximum height are given in Table 2.

48 Unit 1 Forces and Motion: Dynamics Copyright © 2003 Nelson

Solve for the total time of flight (twice the time taken to get to maximum height):
1
∆y = vfy ∆t − a y (∆t ) 2
2
−2∆y
∆t =
ay
total time = 2∆t
The values for the time of flight are given in Table 2. Solve for the horizontal range using the total time:
∆x = vix ∆t
∆x = 25 m/s (cos θ )∆t
The values for the horizontal range are given in Table 2.

Table 2

Launch Time of Maximum Horizontal

Angle Flight (s) Height (m) Range (m)
3° 0.2670 0.08734 6.666
6° 0.5333 0.3484 13.26
9° 0.7981 0.7803 19.71
12° 1.061 1.378 25.94
15° 1.321 2.136 31.89
18° 1.577 3.045 37.49
21° 1.828 4.095 42.67
24° 2.075 5.275 47.39
27° 2.316 6.572 51.60
30° 2.551 7.972 55.23
33° 2.779 9.459 58.26
36° 3.000 11.02 60.65
39° 3.211 12.63 62.38
42° 3.414 14.23 63.43
45° 3.608 15.94 63.78
48° 3.792 17.61 63.43
51° 3.965 19.26 62.38
54° 4.128 20.87 60.65
57° 4.279 22.43 58.26
60° 4.418 23.92 55.23
63° 4.546 25.32 51.60
66° 4.661 26.61 47.39
69° 4.763 27.79 42.67
72° 4.852 28.84 37.49
75° 4.928 29.75 31.89
78° 4.991 30.51 25.94
81° 5.039 31.11 19.71
84° 5.074 31.54 13.26
87° 5.095 31.80 6.666

The following conclusions can be made for a projectile with an initial velocity at some angle above the horizontal, assuming
that air resistance can be neglected.
• The greater the angle above the horizontal becomes, the greater the maximum height of the projectile and the greater the
time of flight.
• The maximum horizontal range occurs when the angle of the initial velocity is 45° above the horizontal. Values of the
horizontal range are identical for angles equidistant on either side of 45°.

Copyright © 2003 Nelson Chapter 1 Kinematics 49

PRACTICE
(Page 50)

Understanding Concepts
8. (a) The vertical component of the ball’s velocity at the top of the flight is zero (vy = 0 m/s).
(b) The ball’s acceleration at the top of the flight is 9.8 m/s2 [down].
(c) The rise time is equal to the fall time when the ball lands at the same level from which it was struck.
9. Let +y be up.
G
(a) vi = 2.2 × 102 m/s [45°above the horizontal]
ay = –9.8 m/s2
∆y = ?

Find the horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity:

Horizontally (constant vix ):

G
vix = vi cos θ
= (2.2 × 102 m/s)(cos 45°)
vix = 1.6 × 102 m/s

Vertically (constant a y ):
G
viy = vi sin θ
= (2.2 ×102 m/s)(sin 45°)
viy = 1.6 ×102 m/s

At the highest position, the y-component of the instantaneous velocity is zero (vfy = 0 m/s). Thus,
2 2
vfy = viy + 2a y ∆y
2
0 = viy + 2a y ∆y
2
viy
∆y =
−2 a y
(1.6 ×102 m/s)2
=
−2(−9.8 m/s 2 )
∆y = 1.2 × 103 m
The maximum height of the cannonball is 1.2 × 103 m.
(b) ∆t = ?
1
∆y = viy ∆t + a y (∆t ) 2
2
0 =1.6 × 10 2 m/s ∆t − 4.9 m/s 2 ( ∆t )
2

(
0 = ∆t 1.6 × 102 m/s − 4.9 m/s 2 ∆t )
∆t = 0 or (1.6 × 10 2 m/s − 4.9 m/s 2 ∆t ) = 0
1.6 × 102 m/s
∆t =
4.9 m/s 2
∆t = 32s
Therefore, the cannonball was fired at ∆t = 0 and the cannonball lands at ∆t = 32 s.

50 Unit 1 Forces and Motion: Dynamics Copyright © 2003 Nelson

 (c) ∆x = ?
∆x = vix ∆t
= (1.6 ×10 2 m/s)(32 s)
∆x = 4.9 × 103 m
The horizontal range is 4.9 × 103 m.
(d) The final velocity has the same magnitude as the initial velocity, but is at an angle of 45° below the horizontal. Thus,
the final velocity is 2.2 × 102 m/s [45° below the horizontal].
10. Let +y be up.
G
(a) vi = 12 m/s [42°above the horizontal]
ay = –9.8 m/s2
∆y = –9.5 m
∆t = ?

Find the horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity:

Horizontally (constant vix ):

G
vix = vi cos θ
= (12 m/s)(cos 42°)
vix = 8.9 m/s

Vertically (constant a y ):
G
viy = vi sin θ
= (12 m/s)(sin 42°)
viy = 8.0 m/s

1
∆y = viy ∆t + a y ( ∆t )2
2
−9.5 m = 8.0 m/s ∆t − 4.9 m/s2 ( ∆t )2
0 = 4.9 m/s 2 ( ∆t )2 − 8.0 m/s ∆t − 9.5 m

Solve using the quadratic formula,

−b ± b 2 − 4ac
∆t = (where a = 4.9 m/s 2 , b = − 8.0 m/s, and c = − 9.5 m)
2a
−(−8.0 m/s) ± (−8.0 m/s)2 − 4(4.9 m/s 2 )(−9.5 m)
=
2(4.9 m/s 2 )
∆t = 2.4 s
Thus, the time of flight is 2.4 s.
(b) ∆x = ?
∆x = vix ∆t
= (8.9 m/s)(2.4 s)
∆x = 22 m
The width of the moat is 22 m.
(c) vfx = vfy = 8.9 m/s
vf = ?
vfy 2 = viy 2 + 2 a y ∆y

vfy = (8.0 m/s)2 + 2( −9.8 m/s 2 )( − 9.5 m)

vfy = 16 m/s

Copyright © 2003 Nelson Chapter 1 Kinematics 51

 vf = vfx 2 + vfy 2

= (8.9 m/s) 2 + (16 m/s)2

vf = 18 m/s

vfy
tan θ =
vfx
 16 m/s 
θ = tan −1  
 8.9 m/s 
θ = 60°
The final velocity just before landing is 18 m/s [60° below the horizontal].

Section 1.4 Questions

(Pages 50–51)

Understanding Concepts
1. The vertical acceleration of a projectile is the same throughout its trajectory and is equal to the acceleration due to gravity.
2. (a) For a projectile with the launch point lower than the landing point, the magnitude of the velocity is at a maximum at the
initial part of the flight (initial velocity) and is at a minimum at the top of its trajectory.
(b) For a projectile with the launch point higher than the landing point, the magnitude of the velocity is at a maximum just
before landing (final velocity) and is at a minimum at the top of its trajectory.
3. Let +y be up.
∆x = 16 m
∆y = –1.5 m
ay = –9.8 m/s2
viy = 0 m/s
vi = ?

First we must solve for the change in time:

a y ( ∆t ) 2
∆y = viy ∆t +
2
2∆y
∆t =
ay

2(−1.5 m)
=
−9.8 m/s 2
∆t = 0.55 s

To calculate the initial velocity:

vi = vix
∆x
=
∆t
16 m
=
0.55s
vi = 29 m/s
The initial velocity of the projectile is 29 m/s [horizontally].
4. Let +y be up.
(a) ∆y = –2.5 m
ay = –9.8 m/s2
viy = 0 m/s
∆t = ?

52 Unit 1 Forces and Motion: Dynamics Copyright © 2003 Nelson

 1
∆y = viy ∆t + a y ( ∆t ) 2
2
2 ∆y
∆t =
ay
2( −2.5 m)
=
−9.8 m/s2
∆t = 0.71s
The tennis ball is in the air for 0.71 s.
(b) vix = 24 m/s
∆x = ?
∆x = vix ∆t
= (24 m/s)(0.71s)
∆x = 17 m
The horizontal displacement of the ball is 17 m [fwd].
(c) vf = ?
vfy 2 = viy 2 + 2a y ∆y

vfy = (0 m/s) 2 + 2(−9.8 m/s 2 )( − 2.5 m) vfx = vix = 24 m/s

vfy = 7.0 m/s

vf = vfx 2 + vfy 2

= (24 m/s) 2 + (7.0 m/s)2

vf = 25 m/s

vfy
tan θ =
vfx
 7.0 m/s 
θ = tan −1  
 24 m/s 
θ = 16°
The ball’s maximum velocity just prior to landing on the court surface is 25 m/s [16° below the horizontal].
(d) To calculate the distance d that the ball clears the net, first calculate the height of the ball above the ground at the net h,
and then subtract the height of the net.
∆x = 12 m
h = 2.5 m + ∆y = ?
d = h – 0.9 m = ?

First we must determine the change in time:

∆x
∆t =
vix
12 m
=
24 m/s
∆t = 0.50s

Copyright © 2003 Nelson Chapter 1 Kinematics 53

 Next, we determine the change in the vertical component:
a y ( ∆t ) 2
∆y = viy ∆t +
2
( −9.8 m/s )(0.50s)2
2
=
2
∆y = −1.22 m

Now, we can determine h and d:

h = 2.5 m − 1.22 m = 1.28 m
d = 1.28 m − 0.90 m = 0.38 m
Thus, the ball clears the net by 0.38 m.
5. Let +y be down. Determine the horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity.

Horizontally (constant vix ):

G
vix = vi cos θ
= (3.2 m/s)(cos 33°)
vix = 2.7 m/s

Vertically (constant ay):

G
viy = vi sin θ
= (3.2 m/s)(sin 33°)
viy = 1.7 m/s
(a) ay = 9.8 m/s2
∆t = ?
∆y = 6.2 m − 1.0 m = 5.2 m
1
∆y = viy ∆t + a y ( ∆t ) 2
2
(9.8 m/s 2 )(∆t )2
0= + 1.7 m/s ∆t − 5.2 m
2

Solve using the solution to the quadratic equation:

−b ± b 2 − 4ac
∆t = (where a = 4.9 m/s 2 , b = 1.7 m/s, and c = −5.2 m)
2a
−(1.7 m/s) ± (1.7 m/s)2 − 4(4.9 m/s 2 )(−5.2 m)
=
2(4.9 m/s 2 )
∆t = 0.87 s
The ball is airborne for 0.87 s.
(b) ∆x = ?
∆x = vix ∆t
= (2.7 m/s)(0.87 s)
∆x = 2.3 m
The child should hold the glove 2.3 m from the edge of the roof.
(c) vf = ?
vfy 2 = viy 2 + 2a y ∆y

vfy = (1.7 m/s) 2 + 2(9.8 m/s 2 )(5.2 m)

vfy = 10.2 m/s
vfx = vix = 2.7 m/s

54 Unit 1 Forces and Motion: Dynamics Copyright © 2003 Nelson

 2 2
vf = vfx + vfy

= (2.7 m/s)2 + (10.2 m/s)2

vf = 11m/s

vfy
tan θ =
vfx
 10.2 m/s 
θ = tan −1  
 2.7 m/s 
θ = 75°
The ball’s final velocity just before it lands in the glove is 11 m/s [75° below the horizontal].
6. As determined in the Try This Activity on page 49, the horizontal range in this type of situation is identical for angles
“equidistant” on either side of 45°. Thus, the launch angles are 54° (same range as 36°), 74° (same range as 16°), and
44.4° (same range as 45.6°).
7. Let +y be up. Find the horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity:

Horizontally (constant vix ):

G
vix = vi cos θ
= (1.1 × 103 m/s)(cos 45°)
vix = 7.8 × 102 m/s

Vertically (constant a y ):
G
viy = vi sin θ
= (1.1 × 103 m/s)(sin 45°)
viy = 7.8 × 102 m/s
(a) Solve for the time of flight using the equation:
1
∆y = viy ∆t + a y ( ∆t ) 2
2
1
0 = viy ∆t + a y (∆t )2
2
1
−viy ∆t = a y ( ∆t )2
2
−2viy ∆t = a y ( ∆t ) 2
−2viy
∆t =
ay

=
(
−2 7.8 × 102 m/s )
2
−9.8 m/s
∆t = 1.6 × 102 s
Therefore, each shell was airborne for 1.6 × 102 s.
(b) To determine the horizontal range:
∆x = vix ∆t
= (7.8 × 102 m/s)(1.6 × 102 s)
∆x =1.2 × 105 m
The horizontal range is 1.2 × 105 m.

Copyright © 2003 Nelson Chapter 1 Kinematics 55

 (c) At the highest position, the y-component of the instantaneous velocity is zero (vfy = 0 m/s). Thus,
vfy 2 = viy 2 + 2 a y ∆y
2
0 = viy + 2a y ∆y
2
viy
∆y =
−2 a y
(7.8 × 102 m/s)2
=
−2( −9.8 m/s2 )
∆y = 3.1 × 104 m
The maximum height of each shell is 3.1 × 104 m or 31 km.
G
8. g = 1.6 m/s2
vi = 32 m/s [35° above the Moon’s horizontal]
∆yf = –15 m
(a) Determine the horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity.

Horizontally (constant vix ):

G
vix = vi cos θ
= (32 m/s)(cos 35°)
vix = 26 m/s

Vertically (constant g):

G
viy = vi sin θ
= (32 m/s)(sin 35°)
viy = 18 m/s

Let +y be down.
G 2
a y = − g = −1.6 m/s

At the highest position, the y-component of the instantaneous velocity is zero (vfy = 0 m/s). Thus,
vfy 2 = viy 2 + 2a y ∆y
2
0 = viy + 2a y ∆y
2
−viy
∆y =
2a y
−(18 m/s)2
=
2( −1.6 m/s2 )
∆y = 1.1 × 102 m
The maximum height of the golf ball is 1.1 × 102 m.
(b) ∆t = ?

Solve for the time of flight using the equation:

1
∆y = viy ∆t + a y ( ∆t )2
2
−15 m = 18 m/s ∆t − 0.80 m/s 2 ( ∆t )
2

0 = 0.80 m/s2 ( ∆t ) − 18 m/s ∆t − 15 m

2

56 Unit 1 Forces and Motion: Dynamics Copyright © 2003 Nelson

 Solve using the solution to the quadratic equation:
−b ± b2 − 4 ac
∆t = where a = 0.80 m/s2 , b = −18 m/s, and c = −15 m
2a
−( −18 m/s) ± ( −18 m/s)2 − 4(0.80 m/s2 )( −15 m)
=
2(0.8 m/s 2 )
∆t = 24 s
The time of flight is 24 s.
(c) ∆x = ?
∆x = vix ∆t
= (26 m/s)(24 s)
∆x = 6.2 ×10 2 m
The horizontal range is 6.2 × 102 m.

Applying Inquiry Skills

9. Let +x be the horizontal direction of the initial velocity and +y be down.
ay = 9.8 m/s2
viy = 0
∆x and ∆y can both be measured with the metre stick.
vix = ?

Using the vertical motion:

1
∆y = viy ∆t + a y ∆t 2
2
1
∆y = a y ∆t 2
2
2 ∆y
∆t =
ay

Using the horizontal motion:

∆x
vix =
∆t
∆x
=
2 ∆y
ay

ay
vix = ∆x
2∆y
The initial speed can be found by substituting the appropriate values into this equation.
10. If students used the Nelson Science 9 text, they may recall designing and testing the type of device needed for this
question. (In that text, refer to page 505, Part 3 of Investigation 16.8. Figure 1 on that page shows that the device is
simple to make and very inexpensive.) Fold a piece of thin cardboard lengthwise so a vertical component facing upward
separates two horizontal components. Place a coin on either side of the vertical component and rotate the device quickly
on the horizontal plane. One coin will project outward, while the other coin will drop vertically downward.

Making Connections
11. (a) ∆y = 2.2 m
vi = 14 m/s [42° above the horizontal]
g = 9.8 m/s2
∆x = ?

Copyright © 2003 Nelson Chapter 1 Kinematics 57

 2  −v sin θ + v 2 sin 2 θ + 2 g ∆y 
2vi sin θ cos θ
+ vi cos θ  
i i
∆x = 0.30 m +
g  g 
 
2(14 m/s)2 sin 42° cos 42°  −(14 m/s) sin 42° + (14 m/s) 2 sin 2 42° + 2(9.8 m/s2 )(2.2 m) 
= 0.30 m + + 14 m/s(cos42° )  
9.8 m/s2  9.8 m/s2 
 
= 0.30 m + 19.6 m + 2.3 m
∆x = 22 m
The range of the shot is 22 m.
(b) The calculated value using the equation is slightly less than the world record. Perhaps the world record holder has
longer arms than the equation considers and was able to throw the shot with a slightly higher initial velocity than the
value stated in the question.
(c) The equation is set up using g, which is positive, rather than using ay, which can be positive or negative, depending on
which direction is defined as +y. The first term in the equation takes into consideration the fact that the thrower’s hand
goes about 30 cm beyond the line from which the horizontal range is measured. The second term is the same as the
equation derived on page 49 for the situation in which the projectile lands at the same level from which it began. The
third term takes into consideration the fact than the horizontal range increases when the projectile lands at a level lower
than its original level.

1.5 FRAMES OF REFERENCE AND RELATIVE VELOCITY

PRACTICE
(Page 56)

Understanding Concepts
G G G
1. (a) vLE = vLD + vDE
G G G
(b) vAC = vAB + vBC
G G G
(c) vMN = vMT + vTN
G G G
vNM = vNT + vTM
G G
(d) Replace vML with vLM .
G G G G G
vLP = vLM + vMN + vNO + vOP
2. Use the subscripts S for the ship, W for the water, and T for the tourist group.
G
(a) vSW = 2.8 m/s [fwd]
G
vTS = 1.1 m/s [fwd]
G
vTW = ?
G G G
vTW = vTS + vSW
= 1.1m/s [fwd] + 2.8 m/s [fwd]
G
vTW = 3.9 m/s [fwd]
When walking toward the bow, the group’s velocity relative to the water is 3.9 m/s [fwd].
G
(b) vTS = 1.1 m/s [backward] = –1.1 m/s [fwd]
G
vTW = ?
G G G
vTW = vTS + vSW
= −1.1m/s [fwd] + 2.8 m/s [fwd]
G
vTW = 1.7 m/s [fwd]
When walking toward the stern, the group’s velocity relative to the water is 1.7 m/s [fwd].
(c) Let the +x direction be forward and the +y direction be to the right.
G
vTS = 1.1 m/s [right]
G
vTW = ?

58 Unit 1 Forces and Motion: Dynamics Copyright © 2003 Nelson