Projectile motion

Question 1

What is a projectile?

Answer 1

an object that is propelled forward through the air by external force e.g. javelin

Question 2

what is a parabolic flight path?

Answer 2

when weight provides more resistance than air resistance due to large mass of object e.g. shot putt

Question 3

what is a non-parabolic flight path?

Answer 3

when air resistance provides more resistance that weight due to a light mass and high velocity of release e.g. badminton shuttle

Question 4

What is Bernoullis principle?

Answer 4

the effect surrounding flow and pressure of air have on a projectile

1. velocity of projectile increases so a pressure gradient created between top and bottom of projectile
2. due to air flowing quicker above projectile, low air pressure occurs above projectile
3. air flows slower below projectile so higher air pressure below projectile

Question 5

What is the Magnus effect?

Answer 5

• deviation of spinning projectile from original flight path
• occurs due to spinning projectile creating boundary layer of air around itself
• one side of this projectile contacts surrounding passing airflow
• results in deceleration of air increasing air pressure
• opposite side has boundary layer of air moving in same direction as passing air flow
• results in quicker airflow and lower air pressure
• overall results in projectile moving from high area of pressure to low area of pressure

Question 6

What is a magnus force?

Answer 6

a force that’s created as a result of pressure gradient on opposite surfaces of object that is spinning while in flight

Question 7

What are the types of spinning?

Answer 7

Topspin -> spins forwards
Backspin -> spins backwards
Sidespin -> spins sideways