Equations of Constant Acceleration

Applications of Newtons Laws of Motion

Objectives
Understand projectile motion and how gravity influences a projectile. Understand the effects of projectile speed, relative height and projection angle on projectile motion. Learn to compute maximum height, flight time and range using equations of uniform acceleration.

Projectile
A projectile is a body or object that is in the air.
Only under the influence of gravity and air resistance.

Gravity
Gravity influences a projectile by pulling the object toward the earth.
Acceleration due to gravity = - 9.8 m.s-1

Gravity causes a projectile to follow a parabolic path.

Why are projectiles important?

Success of many sporting events involves projectiles
Objects acting as projectiles
Basketball, discus, others?

People acting as projectiles

Variables of interest
Flight distance (range) Flight time Maximum height

Equations of Constant Acceleration

d = vit + .a.t vf = vi + a.t vf = vi + 2.a.d Where
d = displacement vi. = initial velocity vf = final velocity a = acceleration

Equations of Constant Acceleration

The equations are most commonly applied when a rigid body is in flight and air resistance is ignored and therefore the only force acting is gravity.

Applications of Equations
If a trampolinist is in the air for two seconds, how high does he/she jump? Questions: Which equation might you use?

Applications of Equations
What is the velocity of the athlete at the very top of the activity? Answer: vi = 0 What is the value for gravity? Answer: g = -9.8 m.s.-2

Applications of Equations
Therefore: d = vi.t + .a.t d = (0.0)(1) + (-9.8)(1) d = -4.905 m

Application II
A figure skater is attempting a jump in which she performs 3 revolutions while in the air. She leaves the ice with a velocity of 7 m/s at a projection angle of 30. How long will she be in the air? Is she spins 3 revolutions per second, will she be able to complete all 3 revolutions before landing?

Applications of Equations II
A ball is kicked from the ground level at an angle of 60 degrees to the horizontal at a velocity of 20 m.s 1. Ignoring air resistance, how far does it travel?

Applications of Equations II
Resolve velocity vector into horizontal and vertical components Therefore, velocity in x direction is 10 m.s-1 Velocity in the y direction is 17.3 m.s-1

Applications of Equations II
Time of flight is determined by the velocity in the up direction (y direction) Which equation of motion could we use to determine the time of flight? Answer: vf = vi + a.t

Applications of Equations II
vi = 17.3 m.s-1 vf = 0.0 m.s-1 a = -9.8 m.s-2 tup =1.76 s tflight = 3.52 s

Application of Equations II
What is the distance traveled horizontally? What equation could we use? Answer: d = vi.t + .a.t There is no force acting horizontally,therefore a = 0.0 d = 35.2 m

Application of Equations II
Conclusion The distance traveled depends on the time in flight which depends on the vertical velocity and horizontal velocity. For a maximum distance to be obtained, a high vertical and high horizontal velocity is required

Application of Equations II
The best compromise between the two when resolving the velocity is at an angle of 45 degrees.

Application of Equations III

Throwing An athlete throwing from a projectile does not release from ground height. Therefore, there is a more complex relationship between optimum angle of release and height of release.

Application of Equations III

The relationship is described by the following equation. R = (V/g).cos().

Application of Equations III

As a general rule, the higher the release the further the projectile goes. As height of release increases, the angle of release decreases. For a shot putter releasing at a height of 2.44 m, the optimum angle is 40 degrees.

Influences on Projectiles
Projection speed Projection angle Relative height