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The horizontal motion of a projectile is constant, assuming that there is no friction acting on the
ball. It is originally accelerated horizontally, however once it leaves the hand/gun etc it has no
force acting upon it from this direction. No friction means that there is no force in the opposing
direction. Gravity has no effect on the horizontal velocity, as it works perpindicularly to it. As a
result, the net force on the projectile is zero, resulting in the projectile continuing to move with
the same horizontal motion.
Projectile Motion at different angles
Momentum
An object which is moving has momentum. The amount of momentum (p) possessed by the
moving object is the product of mass (m) and velocity (v). In equation form:
p=m•v
An equation such as the one above can be treated as a sort of recipe for problem-solving.
Knowing the numerical values of all but one of the quantities in the equations allows one to
calculate the final quantity in the equation. An equation can also be treated as a statement which
describes qualitatively how one variable depends upon another. Two quantities in an equation
could be thought of as being either directly proportional or inversely proportional. Momentum is
directly proportional to both mass and velocity. A two-fold or three-fold increase in the mass
(with the velocity held constant) will result in a two-fold or a three-fold increase in the amount of
momentum possessed by the object. Similarly, a two-fold or three-fold increase in the velocity
(with the mass held constant) will result in a two-fold or a three-fold increase in the amount of
momentum possessed by the object. Thinking and reasoning proportionally about quantities
allows you to predict how an alteration in one variable would effect another variable.
Impulse
These concepts are merely an outgrowth of Newton's second law as discussed in an earlier unit.
Newton's second law (Fnet = m • a) stated that the acceleration of an object is directly
proportional to the net force acting upon the object and inversely proportional to the mass of the
object. When combined with the definition of acceleration (a = change in velocity / time), the
following equalities result.
F=m•a
or
F = m • ∆v / t
If both sides of the above equation are multiplied by the quantity t, a new equation results.
F • t = m • ∆v
This equation represents one of two primary principles to be used in the analysis of collisions
during this unit. To truly understand the equation, it is important to understand its meaning in
words. In words, it could be said that the force times the time equals the mass times the change
in velocity. In physics, the quantity Force • time is known as impulse. And since the quantity
m•v is the momentum, the quantity m•Δv must be the change in momentum. The equation
really says that the
Impulse = Change in momentum
Collision
Now consider a collision of a tennis ball with a wall. Depending on the physical properties of the
ball and wall, the speed at which the ball rebounds from the wall upon colliding with it will vary.
The diagrams below depict the changes in velocity of the same ball. For each representation
(vector diagram, velocity-time graph, and ticker tape pattern), indicate which case (A or B) has
the greatest change in velocity, greatest acceleration, greatest momentum change, and greatest
impulse. Support each answer. Click the button to check your answer.
Vector Diagram
Mechanical energy ( Potential & Kinetic Energy)
Kinetic energy is a form of energy that results from an object's motion. There are many types of
motion that use kinetic energy: translation (moving from one place to another), rotation, and
vibration. The measurement of kinetic energy in an object is calculated based on the object's
mass and velocity. It is measured in Joules.
Potential energy is a form of energy that results from an object's position or arrangement of
parts. It is stored energy that can become kinetic energy. It includes potential electrical,
chemical, and nuclear energy. The measurement of potential energy in an object is calculated
based on the object's mass and its height or distance. It is measured in Joules.
Forms Of Potential Energy
GRAVITATIONAL
Systems can increase gravitational energy as mass moves away from the center of Earth or other
objects that are large enough to generate significant gravity (our sun, the planets and stars).
CHEMICAL
Chemical energy is stored in the bonds between the atoms in compounds. This stored energy is
transformed when bonds are broken or formed through chemical reactions. Like letters of the
alphabet that can be rearranged to form new words with very different meanings, atoms move
around during chemical reactions, and they form new compounds with vastly different
personalities.
NUCLEAR
Today’s nuclear power plants are fueled by fission. Uranium or plutonium atoms are broken
apart, freeing lots of energy. Hydrogen atoms in the sun experience nuclear fusion, combining to
form helium and subsequently releasing large amounts of energy in the form of electromagnetic
radiation and thermal energy.
ELASTIC
Elastic energy can be stored mechanically in a compressed gas or liquid, a coiled spring, or a
stretched elastic band. On an atomic scale, the stored energy is a temporary strain placed on the
bonds between atoms, meaning there’s no permanent change to the material. These bonds absorb
energy as they are stressed, and release that energy as they relax.
Forms Of Potential Energy
Radiant energy is electromagnetic energy that travels in transverse waves. Radiant energy
includes visible light, x-rays, gamma rays, and radio waves. Light is one type of radiant energy.
Sunshine is radiant energy, which provides the fuel and warmth that make life on earth possible.
Thermal energy, or heat, is the energy that comes from the movement of atoms and molecules
in a substance. Heat increases with increases in the speed that these particles move. Geothermal
energy is the thermal energy in the earth.
Motion energy is energy stored in the movement of objects. The faster they move, the more
energy is stored. It takes energy to get an object moving, and energy is released when an object
slows down. Wind is an example of motion energy. A dramatic example of motion energy is a
car crash—a car comes to a total stop and releases all of its motion energy at once in an
uncontrolled instant.
Electrical energy is delivered by tiny charged particles called electrons, typically moving
through a wire. Lightning is an example of electrical energy in nature.