Projectiles in Action

Today, we will be taking a look at the ideas behind projectile motion by using a simulation

Before you start, your group should Tweet the following to me (include names as needed). Tweets MUST BE SENT during the first 20 minutes of class.

a) What role does friction play in the parabola created by different objects?

b) How does mass affect the path of the projectile?

c) As I aim a projectile with different angles, do I get different results?

d) When is gravity acting on a projectile?

PLAY WITH THE SIMULATION FOR AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES BEFORE PROCEEDING.

What Do You Think?

One day after school you are enjoying a can of soda. After it’s empty you decide to toss it in the trashcan. What variables determine whether or not you make the shot? Write out a definition for each of the terms you think of? Include at least 6.

Prediction Table

Complete the table below by listing what YOU THINK are the variables involved in projectile motion and describe what YOU THINK their effect will be on the flight path.

Variable       |Predicted Effect of Variable On Motion of Projectile

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Design a Test:

You’ve heard the claim that a bullet shot horizontally will strike the ground at the same time as a bullet dropped from the same height. Use the PhET simulation to test this theory.

1. Describe IN DETAIL what you did to the variables on the simulation to test the theory:

2. Record your findings (time of flight, distances, angles, etc):

3. Did you prove or disprove the claim?

4. At this point , for how many of the initial four tweeted ideas have you found out the answers? Explain here.

5. Go and use the simulation to find out the answers to any of the unanswered Tweets. Explain how you know you are correct.

Hand in the data you collected from this lab. Now, answer the following questions in your book, using the simulation as needed.

p 44, 1, 2, 3

p 46, 13-14

p 56, 1, 3

p. 57,6