Key Concepts
Projectile- an object shot through the air
Trajectory- the objects path through space
Projectile motion- the motion of an object launched through the air at an angle.
What is Motion in Two Dimensions?
Instead of having just an x (horizontal) or a y (vertical) variable, in two dimensions there are both x and y variables. The motion of an object moving through the air creates a parabola that shows the trajectory of the object. When the object is released into the air, gravity is the only force that is acting on it. The force of gravity is what makes the flight path curve downward into a parabola. By using vectors, you can break down the flight path of an object into x and y components.
Independence of Motion is that the vertical motion does not affect the horizontal motion. The x component has a steady velocity and the y component has a negative acceleration of 9.8 m/s^2. To review the velocity and acceleration of objects, see Motion in 1-D at the left side of the screen.
Equations
When solving for unknowns with objects launched at an angle, use these equations.
Motion in 2-D
Key Concepts
Projectile- an object shot through the air
Trajectory- the objects path through space
Projectile motion- the motion of an object launched through the air at an angle.
What is Motion in Two Dimensions?
Instead of having just an x (horizontal) or a y (vertical) variable, in two dimensions there are both x and y variables. The motion of an object moving through the air creates a parabola that shows the trajectory of the object. When the object is released into the air, gravity is the only force that is acting on it. The force of gravity is what makes the flight path curve downward into a parabola. By using vectors, you can break down the flight path of an object into x and y components.
Independence of Motion is that the vertical motion does not affect the horizontal motion. The x component has a steady velocity and the y component has a negative acceleration of 9.8 m/s^2. To review the velocity and acceleration of objects, see Motion in 1-D at the left side of the screen.
Equations
When solving for unknowns with objects launched at an angle, use these equations.
Xf= 1/2at^2 + Vi (t) +Xi
Vf= a (t) + Vi
Vf^2= Vi^2 + 2a(Xf-Xi)
Explore Trajectory with this Trajectory Simulation