Projectile Motion Flashcards
What is projectile motion?
The movement of a body through the air following a curved flight path under the force of gravity
What is a projectile?
A body launched into the air and subjected to weight and air resistance forces
How does the speed of release affect projectile motion?
The 2nd Law of Motion means a greater force = greater acceleration of the projectile into the air = the further the projectile will travel
How will a 90 degree release angle affect projectile motion?
The projectile will accelerate vertically and come straight back down to the ground
How will a 45 degree release angle affect projectile motion?
Horizontal distance in maximised
How will a release angle greater than 45 degrees affect projectile motion?
Projectile will reach peak height too quickly and rapidly return to the ground
How will a release height less than 45 degrees affect projectile motion?
Sufficient height isn’t achieved to maximise flight time
What is a positive relative release height?
A release height above landing height
What is a negative relative release height?
A release height below landing height
What is the effect of a positive relative release height?
Increased flight time and optimal angle off release is less than 45 degrees
What is the effect of a negative relative release height?
The optimal angle of release is greater than 45 degrees because the projectile needs increased flight time to overcome the obstacle
What is a parabola?
A uniform curve symmetrical about it’s highest point
What is a parabolic flight path?
A flight path symmetrical about it’s highest point caused by the dominant weight force of a projectile
What is a non-parabolic flight path?
A flight path asymmetrical about its highest point caused by the dominant force of air resistance of the projectile
What are the 3 phases of projectile motion, before the projectile is accelerated by gravity to the ground?
- Start of flight
- Mid flight
- End of flight
What does a parallelogram of forces show?
The resultant (NET) force acting on a body
What is the Bernoulli Principle?
A lift force on a projectile in flight resulting from higher velocity of air flow and lower surrounding pressure
What is an aerofoil shape?
A curved upper surface and a flat lower surface
What happens when air moves underneath the aerofoil shape?
Air travels a shorter distance meaning higher pressure and lower velocity
What happens when air moves over the aerofoil shape?
Air travels a longer distance meaning lower pressure but greater velocity
How do F1 cars remain on the floor at high speeds?
They reverse the Bernoulli principle and create a ‘downwards lift force’
What is the Magnus effect?
The creation of additional Magnus force on a spinning projectile which deviates the flight path
What is Magnus Force?
A force created from a pressure gradient on opposing surfaces of a spinning body moving through the air
How is spin created?
Applying an external force outside of the centre of mass?
