Factors Affecting Projectile Motion Projectile Motion A projectile

Factors Affecting Projectile Motion

Projectile Motion A projectile is any object which is released into the air. Write down an example of a projectile you may Throw. Write down an example of when the body might be the projectile.

Projectile Motion What sporting activities might A and B be examples of?

A = high jumper B= javelin/shot put/long jump

Projectile Motion When in the air a projectile can only be effected by 2 forces. 1. Gravity – acts on the vertical component of the trajectory. It accelerates the body towards the earth.

Projectile Motion 2. Air resistance – acts on the horizontal component of the trajectory. The effects of air resistance is dependant on weight and surface area of the objects, shape, smoothness and movement direction. How do you think these factors might alter the effect of air resistance?

Projectile Motion Prior to release the following factors will affect the trajectory (flight path) of the projectile: Sp--- -- ------ An--- -- ------ He---- -- -------

Speed of Release Generally the greater the speed of the release, the greater the range or distance the projectile will travel. This factor generally has the most effect on a projectiles range(distance). The lower the angle of release, the greater the velocity (speed) must be if the projectile is to reach its target or travel the required distance.

Angle of Release Generally the optimum angle of release in order to gain maximum distance is 45 degrees. This applies only when the release and landing heights are equal. The angle of release in sporting situations are dependant on the activity eg. Javelin vs high jump, and the level at which the projectile lands eg. Soccer vs shotput vs golf.

Angle of Release

Height of Release For a given speed angle of release, as the height of release increases the horizontal distance will increase. As the height of release decreases so too will the horizontal distance.

Activities 1. List the 5 factors that affect the flight path of a projectile 2. What is the effect of gravity on a projectile? 3. Explain how air resistance will affect a projectile. 4. How can we make sure we get a good distance from our projectile? 5. Generally the greater the speed of release, _______________ 6. What would happen if a projectile was released at an angle too high for the activity?

Answers 1. Gravity, air resistance, speed of release, angle of release, height of release 2. It decreases the height the projectile can attain 3. Air resistance acts on the horizontal component of a projectiles path, meaning it affects the distance it can travel horizontally.

Answers 4. Release the projectile with optimum angle of release, ie 45 Degrees, maximum speed of release and maximum height of release. 5. The greater the distance gained 6. The amount of distance gained would be poor Well done