All Flashcards
Define projectile motion.
The path of an object launched into the air, influenced only by gravity.
What is a trajectory?
The curved path a projectile follows.
Define initial velocity (v₀).
The launch velocity that determines the trajectory's shape.
What is horizontal velocity (v_x) in projectile motion?
The velocity component that remains constant throughout the motion (assuming no air resistance).
What is vertical velocity (v_y) in projectile motion?
The velocity component that changes due to gravity.
Define 'g' in the context of projectile motion.
Acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²).
What are the differences between horizontal and vertical motion in projectile motion?
Horizontal: Constant velocity, zero acceleration | Vertical: Changing velocity, constant acceleration (-g)
Compare and contrast speed and velocity.
Speed: Scalar quantity, magnitude only | Velocity: Vector quantity, magnitude and direction
Differentiate between displacement and distance.
Displacement: Change in position, vector quantity | Distance: Total path length, scalar quantity
What are the differences between average velocity and instantaneous velocity?
Average Velocity: Displacement over time interval | Instantaneous Velocity: Velocity at a specific point in time
What is the effect of gravity on the vertical velocity of a projectile?
Causes the vertical velocity to decrease as the object rises and increase as it falls.
What happens when the vertical velocity (v_y) is zero in projectile motion?
The projectile reaches its maximum height.
What is the effect of increasing the launch angle (θ) on the range of a projectile (given constant initial speed)?
Increases the range up to a maximum at 45 degrees, then decreases it.
What is the effect of increasing initial velocity on range?
Range increases.
What happens to the horizontal velocity of a projectile (ignoring air resistance)?
It remains constant throughout the motion.