A. Explain Why The Following Are Not Considered Projectiles. 1. A Ball Resting On The Ground. 2. A Thin Piece Of Paper (not Crumpled) Being Thrown. 3. Inflated Balloon Released In The Air. 4. A Flying Airplane.
Introduction
In physics, a projectile is an object that is thrown or propelled through the air, subject to the influence of gravity. However, not all objects that are thrown or released into the air qualify as projectiles. In this article, we will explore four examples of objects that are not considered projectiles, and explain why they don't meet the criteria.
1. A Ball Resting on the Ground
A ball resting on the ground may seem like a simple example, but it's an important one. A ball that is not moving or being propelled through the air does not qualify as a projectile. Projectiles require an initial velocity, which is the speed at which the object is thrown or propelled. Since the ball is not moving, it does not have an initial velocity, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a projectile.
2. A Thin Piece of Paper (Not Crumpled) Being Thrown
A thin piece of paper that is thrown through the air may seem like a classic example of a projectile. However, if the paper is not crumpled or distorted in any way, it does not qualify as a projectile. Projectiles must be subject to the influence of gravity, which means that they must be affected by the force of gravity as they move through the air. If the paper is not crumpled or distorted, it may not be subject to the same forces as a traditional projectile, and therefore does not meet the criteria.
3. Inflated Balloon Released in the Air
An inflated balloon that is released into the air may seem like a simple example of a projectile. However, it's not quite that simple. Projectiles must have a definite trajectory, which means that they must follow a predictable path through the air. Since a balloon is subject to air resistance and other external forces, its trajectory is not always predictable, and therefore it does not meet the criteria for a projectile.
4. A Flying Airplane
A flying airplane may seem like a classic example of a projectile, but it's not. Projectiles are typically associated with small, lightweight objects, such as balls or paper. Airplanes are much larger and heavier than traditional projectiles, and they are subject to a wide range of external forces, including air resistance and gravity. While an airplane may be propelled through the air, it does not meet the criteria for a projectile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not all objects that are thrown or released into the air qualify as projectiles. A ball resting on the ground, a thin piece of paper being thrown, an inflated balloon released in the air, and a flying airplane are all examples of objects that do not meet the criteria for a projectile. Projectiles require an initial velocity, must be subject to the influence of gravity, have a definite trajectory, and are typically small and lightweight. By understanding these criteria, we can better appreciate the complexities of projectile motion and the forces that affect objects in motion.
Key Takeaways
- A ball resting on the ground does not qualify as a projectile because it does not have an initial velocity.
- A thin piece of paper being thrown does not qualify as a projectile because it may not be subject to the influence of gravity.
- An inflated balloon released in the air does not qualify as a projectile because its trajectory is not always predictable.
- A flying airplane does not qualify as a projectile because it is much larger and heavier than traditional projectiles.
Further Reading
- Projectile motion: a comprehensive guide to the physics of projectiles
- The science of throwing: understanding the forces that affect objects in motion
- The physics of flight: understanding the forces that affect airplanes and other flying objects
References
- Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of physics. John Wiley & Sons.
- Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for scientists and engineers. Cengage Learning.
- Young, H. D., & Freedman, R. A. (2012). University physics. Addison-Wesley.
A. Projectile Motion: Frequently Asked Questions =====================================================
Introduction
Projectile motion is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the motion of objects that are thrown or propelled through the air. In our previous article, we explored four examples of objects that are not considered projectiles. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about projectile motion.
Q: What is projectile motion?
A: Projectile motion is the motion of an object that is thrown or propelled through the air, subject to the influence of gravity. This type of motion is characterized by a curved trajectory, with the object following a parabolic path under the sole influence of gravity.
Q: What are the key factors that affect projectile motion?
A: The key factors that affect projectile motion are the initial velocity, angle of projection, and acceleration due to gravity. The initial velocity determines the speed and direction of the projectile, while the angle of projection determines the trajectory of the projectile. The acceleration due to gravity affects the vertical component of the projectile's motion.
Q: What is the difference between projectile motion and free fall?
A: Projectile motion and free fall are two distinct types of motion. Free fall is the motion of an object that is falling under the sole influence of gravity, without any initial velocity. Projectile motion, on the other hand, is the motion of an object that is thrown or propelled through the air, subject to the influence of gravity.
Q: Can a projectile be affected by air resistance?
A: Yes, a projectile can be affected by air resistance. Air resistance can slow down the projectile and alter its trajectory. However, for small objects, such as balls or paper, air resistance is often negligible, and the projectile can be treated as a perfect projectile.
Q: How can we calculate the trajectory of a projectile?
A: The trajectory of a projectile can be calculated using the equations of motion. The horizontal component of the projectile's motion is given by the equation x = v0x * t, where x is the horizontal distance, v0x is the initial horizontal velocity, and t is time. The vertical component of the projectile's motion is given by the equation y = v0y * t - (1/2) * g * t^2, where y is the vertical distance, v0y is the initial vertical velocity, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Q: What is the range of a projectile?
A: The range of a projectile is the maximum horizontal distance it can travel. The range of a projectile is given by the equation R = (v0^2 * sin(2θ)) / g, where R is the range, v0 is the initial velocity, θ is the angle of projection, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Q: Can a projectile be affected by other forces, such as wind or friction?
A: Yes, a projectile can be affected by other forces, such as wind or friction. Wind can alter the trajectory of the projectile, while friction can slow down the projectile and alter its motion.
Q: How can we measure the velocity of a projectile?
A: The velocity of a projectile can be measured using a variety of methods, including:
- Photography: By taking a series of photographs of the projectile as it moves, we can measure its velocity using the time interval between the photographs.
- High-speed cameras: By using high-speed cameras, we can capture the motion of the projectile in slow motion and measure its velocity.
- Sensors: By using sensors, such as accelerometers or gyroscopes, we can measure the acceleration and angular velocity of the projectile and calculate its velocity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, projectile motion is a complex and fascinating topic that has many practical applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and sports. By understanding the key factors that affect projectile motion, we can better appreciate the complexities of this type of motion and develop new technologies and strategies to improve our performance in various fields.
Key Takeaways
- Projectile motion is the motion of an object that is thrown or propelled through the air, subject to the influence of gravity.
- The key factors that affect projectile motion are the initial velocity, angle of projection, and acceleration due to gravity.
- Air resistance can affect the trajectory of a projectile.
- The trajectory of a projectile can be calculated using the equations of motion.
- The range of a projectile is the maximum horizontal distance it can travel.
Further Reading
- Projectile motion: a comprehensive guide to the physics of projectiles
- The science of throwing: understanding the forces that affect objects in motion
- The physics of flight: understanding the forces that affect airplanes and other flying objects
References
- Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of physics. John Wiley & Sons.
- Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for scientists and engineers. Cengage Learning.
- Young, H. D., & Freedman, R. A. (2012). University physics. Addison-Wesley.