2D Motion
Projectiles
Vector Components
You can think of putting them together in a way that is similar to a right triangle.
Using Vector Components
Components simplify projectile motion because it allows us to analyze one direction at a time.
What is a projectile?
Anything that is thrown or launched into the air is considered a projectile.
How do projectiles move?
Horizontal motion is independent of vertical motion. This is why we like to separate the vectors into horizontal and vertical components and study them separately.
The only difference between free-fall and projectile motion is a more spread out curve.
Free-Fall vs. Projectile
Middle: Vertical Toss (Like our tennis-ball free fall lab)
Right: Projectile - thrown at an angle.
Projectile Path
Horizontally Fired Projectile
Horizontal vs. Vertical Motion
Vertical Motion: Gravity (vertical motion) will cause the object to fall towards to the ground. Gravity places a downward acceleration on the object.
Horizontal Motion: Always remains constant and unchanged.
When you add the vertical and horizontal motion together, you get a parabolic (curved) path.