Going Ballistic: Investigating Components of Motion (T)

Make sure you have answered the question Going Ballistic: Sorting Out the Components of Motion before you begin this assignment.

Component vectors play an important role in the study of projectiles.


In this assignment you will be simulating a projectile motion and studying the vertical and horizontal components of its motion.



We will be using the energy skate park applet to simulate projectile motion. Make a track with a nice long drop and a fairly steep angle (50<\theta<80).

Leave the "velocity dots" behind as you let your skater go. The dots are dropped every 0.12s.

Measure the x component of the displacement and the y component of the displacement between dots using the tape measure.

You can analyze the data any way you see fit. Two possible suggestions:

  1. Spreadsheet. (calculate the velocity \vec v =\frac{ \Delta \vec d}{\Delta t}, then calculate the acceleration \vec a = \frac{\Delta \vec v}{\Delta t} for each component.
  2. Sketchpad. (plot v vs t, find the slope of the graph)


When you are finished you should make a conclusion about the relationship of between:
  1. Time and the x (horizontal) component velocity \vec v_x.
  2. Time and the x (horizontal) component acceleration \vec a_x
  3. Time and the y (vertical) component velocity \vec v_y.
  4. Time and the y (vertical) component acceleration \vec a_y.
Compare the horizontal and vertical components of the motion and provide an explanation for their differences. Explain how you can use the nature of the components of motion to make predictions about the overall motion.


Level 1
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Level 4
How well can you collect and analyze data? Do you understand components of motion? How thoroughly do you analyze your data and draw conclusions? Do you understand the implications of your conclusions?
You have had difficulty collecting your data accurately
You have collected data and have identified some trends. Your analysis identifies some of the characteristics of the components of motion.
You have collected your data accurately. You have analyzed it competently. You have drawn accurate conclusions about the nature of all of the components of motion.
You have collected your data accurately. You have analyzed it competently. You have drawn accurate conclusions about the nature of all of the components of motion. There is evidence of other research into projectile motion in your analysis. You can make predictions about characteristics of the motion, such as angle of total velocity for any given time.