4.3 Projectile Motion

Question 1

Define projectile motion

Answer 1

The movement of a body as it travels through the air

Question 2

Define horizontal displacement

Answer 2

The shortest distance from the start to finish points in a line parallel to the ground

Question 3

What three factors determine the horizontal displacement of a projectile?

Answer 3

Angle of release
Speed of release
Height of release

Question 4

How does angle of release affect horizontal displacement?

Answer 4

The optimum angle of release depends on the release height and landing height.

1. When the release and landing heights are equal the optimum angle of release is 45°.
2. When the release height is below the landing height the optimum angle needs to be greater than 45°.
3. When the release height is greater than the landing height the optimum angle needs to be less than 45°.

Question 5

How does speed of release affect horizontal displacement?

Answer 5

The greater the release velocity of a projectile, the greater the horizontal displacement travelled

Question 6

How does height of release affect horizontal displacement?

Answer 6

A greater release height results in an increased horizontal displacement.

Question 7

Define parabola

Answer 7

A curve with matching left and right hand sides

Question 8

Which forces affect projectiles whilst they’re in the air?

Answer 8

Weight and air resistance