All Flashcards
Define 'center of mass'.
The balance point of an object or system; the average location of all the mass.
Define 'free fall'.
When an object is only under the influence of gravity.
Define 'projectile motion'.
When an object is launched into the air and is only affected by gravity.
Define 'angled launches'.
Launches at an angle that include both a horizontal and vertical component of initial velocity.
Define 'vector components'.
The horizontal and vertical parts of a vector.
What is the effect of gravity on an object in free fall?
It causes the object to accelerate downwards at approximately .
What is the effect of applying a force at the center of mass of an object?
It causes linear acceleration without rotation.
What happens to the vertical velocity of a projectile at its maximum height?
The vertical velocity becomes zero.
What is the effect of increasing the angle of launch on the range of a projectile (assuming the same initial speed)?
The range increases until an angle of 45 degrees, then decreases.
What happens to the horizontal velocity of a projectile during its flight (ignoring air resistance)?
The horizontal velocity remains constant.
What is the difference between horizontal and vertical motion in projectile motion?
Horizontal motion: constant speed (no acceleration). Vertical motion: affected by gravity (constant downward acceleration).
Compare linear and non-linear functions.
Linear function: a straight line, represented by y = mx + b. Non-linear function: anything that isn't a straight line; often approximated with a tangent line.
What is the difference between and ?
: initial velocity. : final velocity.
Compare and contrast the equations for horizontal and vertical motion in projectile motion.
Horizontal motion: . Vertical motion: , , .
What is the difference between displacement and distance?
Displacement: change in position. Distance: total length traveled.