Scribd
Upload
95 views19 pages

Understanding Projectile Motion

Uploaded by

zendaya alisia
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
95 views19 pages

Understanding Projectile Motion

Uploaded by

zendaya alisia
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2

Topic: Projectiles

Projectile motion can be described as a form of movement done by a body or


particle which is launched at a point of projection where the trajectory or path of
the projectile is parabolic in shape. In the motion of a projectile, there are
significant terms used such as

(i) Range
(ii) Maximum/Greatest Height
(iii) Time of Flight
(iv) Equation of Trajectory

The range can be defined as the horizontal distance covered by the particle from
the initial position to the final position.

The maximum height is attained whenever the vertical component of the velocity
is zero.

The time it takes for the projectile to land is described as the time of flight.

The equation of the trajectory is the path at which the particle travels.

Let us look at projectile motion diagrammatically. The diagram below will be used
where A , B , C and D represents the point of projection, an arbitrary point on the
trajectory, the maximum point and the final position, respectively.

Horizontal Vertical
Movement Movement
ax = 0 ay = − g

vx = u x + a x t v y = u y + a yt
vx = v cos v y = v sin  − gt

1
s x = u xt + axt 2 1
s y = u yt + a yt 2
2 2
sx = vt cos 1
s y = vt sin  − gt 2
2

Page | 1
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
In kinematics, the first equation of motion is v = u + at where u , v , a and t
represents the initial velocity, final velocity, uniform acceleration and the time
taken respectively.

Using this equation, vy = v sin − gt will represent the force in the y direction
where  is the angle of projection from the horizontal and g is the acceleration
due to gravity. Similarly, vx = v cos will represent the force in the x direction.

1
The second equation of motion in kinematics is s = ut + at 2 where s represents
2
1
the displacement. From this equation, sx = vt cos and s y = vt sin  − gt 2 will
2
represent the displacement in the x and y directions respectively.

When the velocity turns at the point C in the diagram, the vertical component is
v sin 
equal to zero. With that being said, it means that v sin  − gt = 0  t = and
g
this is the time it takes for the particle to reach at the point C .

If H represents the maximum height in the diagram of the trajectory, then


1 v sin 
H = vt sin  − gt 2 but recall that t = . So evidently
2 g

2
 v sin   1  v sin  
H = v  sin  − g  
 g  2  g 
v 2 sin 2  v 2 sin 2 
= −
g 2g
2v 2 sin 2  − v 2 sin 2 
=
2g
v 2 sin 2 
H=
2g

The range which is represented by AD in the diagram will be denoted by R . Since


the trajectory of a projectile is parabolic in shape it means that there is an axis of
symmetry which cuts the point C vertically. Therefore, the time of flight can be
2v sin 
given as t = . If R = vt cos then clearly
g

Page | 2
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles

 2v sin  
R = v  cos
 g 
2v sin  cos 
2
=
g
v 2 sin ( 2 )
R=
g

The particle passes through any point ( x, y ) on the trajectory where x = vt cos
1
and y = vt sin  − gt 2 respectively. From the first equation it implies that
2
x
t= . When this value of t is substituted into y then the following result is
v cos
obtained, which gives the equation of the trajectory.

2
 x  1  x 
y = v  sin  − g  
 v cos  2  v cos 
x sin  gx 2
y= −
cos 2v 2 cos 2 

1
Because of the trigonometric identities: = sec2  , 1 + tan 2  = sec2  and
cos 
2

sin 
= tan  , the equation of the trajectory can also be written as
cos
gx 2 sec 2  gx 2
y = x tan  − 2
or y = x tan  − 2 (1 + tan 2  ) .
2v 2v

Summary
v 2 sin ( 2 )
Horizontal Range: R=
g

v 2 sin 2 
Greatest Height: H=
2g
2v sin 
Time of Flight: t=
g

gx 2 gx 2
2 (
Equation of Path: y = x tan  − or y = x tan  − 1 + tan 2  )
2v cos 
2 2
2v

Page | 3
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
e.g. 1: A football is kicked at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal with a
velocity of 30 ms -1 . Taking Take g to be 10 ms −2 , Calculate the

(i) Time to reach the maximum height


(ii) Time for the range
(iii) Maximum height reached by the football
(iv) Range of the football

Solutions

(i)
v sin 
t=
g
30sin ( 30 )
=
10
t = 1.5 s

(ii)
2v sin 
t=
g
2 ( 30 ) sin ( 30 )
=
10
t =3 s

(iii)
v 2 sin 2 
H=
2g
( 30 ) sin 2 ( 30 )
2

=
2 (10 )
H = 11.25 m

Page | 4
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
(iv)
v 2 sin ( 2 )
R=
g
( 30 ) sin ( 60 )
2

=
10
R = 45 3 m

e.g. 2: A golfer hits a golf ball from a point W , to a point Z . Z is on the same
horizontal level as W . The ball is projected from W at a speed of 95 meters per
second, and at angle of   above the horizontal.

(i) Given the ball hits the ground at Z which is 750 meters from W ,
calculate the two possible values of  .

(ii) Given that  = 30 , calculate the times when the ball is 100 meters above
the ground.

Solutions
Sketch diagram here

Page | 5
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
(i)
v 2 sin ( 2 )
R=
g
( 95)sin ( 2 )
2

750 =
10
7500 = 9025sin ( 2 )
300
= sin ( 2 )
361
 300 
2 = sin −1  
 361 

2 = 56.204 or 2 = 180 − 56.204


 = 28.1 or  = 61.9

(ii)
1
H = vt sin  − gt 2
2

1
100 = 95t sin ( 30 ) − (10 ) t 2
2

100 = 47.5t − 5t 2

5t 2 − 47.5t + 100 = 0

− ( −47.5 )  ( −47.5) − 4 ( 5 )(100 )


2

t=
2 ( 5)

47.5  256.25
=
10

47.5  16.00781
=
10

t = 6.35 s or t = 3.15 s

Page | 6
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
3
e.g. 3: The equation of motion of a projectile is given by y = 12 x − x 2 . Calculate
4
the range of the projectile.

Solution

When the object hits the ground, y = 0 .

3 2
Let 12 x − x =0
4
48 x − 3 x 2 = 0
3 x (16 − x ) = 0

Either 3x = 0  x = 0 or 16 − x = 0  x = 16

Therefore, the range of the projectile is 16 meters.

e.g. 4: A particle is projected from a point which is 2 meters above ground level
with a velocity of 40 m/s at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal. Calculate the
horizontal distance from the point of projection to when it hits the ground.

Solution
Sketch diagram here

Page | 7
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
gx 2
y = x tan  − 2
2v cos 2 
10 x 2
= x tan ( 45 ) −
2 ( 40 ) cos ( 45 )
2

10 x 2
= x−
1600
x2
y=x−
160

Let y = −2

x2
x− = −2
160
160 x − x 2 = −320
x 2 − 160 x − 320 = 0

− ( −160 )  ( −160 ) − 4 (1)( −320 )


2

x=
2 (1)
160  26880
=
2
160  163.951
=
2
x = 161.98 or x = −1.98

Therefore, the horizontal distance is 161.98 meters.

e.g. 5: A gun has a muzzle velocity of 200 m/s. Calculate the

(i) Horizontal range of the gun when the angle of projection is 30 degrees.

(ii) Maximum horizontal range of the gun.

Page | 8
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
Solutions

(i)

v 2 sin ( 2 )
R=
g
( 200 )
sin ( 60 )
2

=
10
R = 3464 m

(ii)

The maximum horizontal range occurs when  = 45 .

( 200 )sin ( 90 )


2

R=
10
R = 4000 m

e.g. 6: A particle is projected from a point O with an initial speed of 30 m/s to pass
through a point which is 40 meters from O horizontally and 10 meters above O .
Show that 8tan 2  − 36tan  + 17 = 0 .

Solution
Sketch diagram here

Page | 9
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles

gx 2
y = x tan  − 2 (1 + tan 2  )
2v

Let x = 40 and y = 10

10 ( 40 )
2

10 = 40 tan  −
2 ( 30 )
2 (1 + tan  )
2

10 = 40 tan  −
80
9
(1 + tan 2  )

80 80 2
10 = 40 tan  − − tan 
9 9

90 = 360 tan  − 80 − 80 tan 2 

−80 tan 2  + 360 tan  − 80 = 90

−80 tan 2  + 360 tan  − 170 = 0

−80 2 360 170


tan  + tan  − =0
10 10 10

−8 tan 2  + 36 tan  − 17 = 0

8 tan 2  − 36 tan  + 17 = 0

Shown

Page | 10
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
e.g. 7: A fielder can throw a cricket ball faster at low angles than at high angles.
This is modelled by assuming that, at an angle  , he can throw a ball with a speed
of k cos ms -1 , where k is a constant.

2k 2
Show that the horizontal distance he can throw is given by
g
( sin  − sin 3  ) .

Solution

v 2 sin ( 2 )
R=
g

(k ) sin ( 2 )
2
cos
=
g
k 2 cos ( 2sin  cos )
=
g
2k 2 sin  cos 2 
=
g
2k 2 sin  (1 − sin 2  )
=
g
2k 2
R=
g
( sin  − sin 3  )

Shown

e.g. 8: A particle P is projected with speed u ms-1 at an angle of  above the


horizontal from a point O on a horizontal plane and moves freely under gravity.
The horizontal and vertical displacements of P from O at a subsequent time t
seconds are denoted by x meters and y meters respectively.

(i) Show that the equation of the trajectory is given by


gx 2
y = x tan  − 2 (1 + tan 2  )
2u

In the subsequent motion, P passes through the point with coordinates ( 30,20)

4
(ii) Given that one possible value of tan  is , find the other possible value
3
of tan  .
Page | 11
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
Solutions

(i)
1
s x = u xt + a xt 2
2
1
= ( u cos  ) t + (0)t 2
2
sx = ut cos 

1
s y = u yt + a yt 2
2
1
= ( u sin  ) t + (−g )t2
2
1
s y = ut sin  − gt 2
2

 1 
So, the particle P passes through the point ( x, y ) =  ut cos , ut sin  − gt 2  .
 2 

x 1
If x = ut cos   t = . Substitute t into y , where y = ut sin  − gt 2 .
u cos  2

2
 x  1  x 
y = u  sin  − g 
 u cos   2  u cos  
x sin  1  x2 
= − g 2 
cos  2  u cos 2  
x sin  gx 2
= − 2
cos  2u cos 2 
gx 2  1 
= x tan  − 2  
2u  cos 2  
gx 2
= x tan  − 2 sec 2 
2u

 y = tan  − 2 (1 + tan 2  )
gx 2
2u

Shown

Page | 12
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
(ii)
gx 2
2 (
y = tan  − 1 + tan 2  )
2u

Let x = 30 and y = 20

10 ( 20 )
2

20 = 30 tan  −
2u 2 (1 + tan 2  )

2 (
1 + tan 2  )
4500
20 = 30 tan  −
u

4500 4500 2
20 = 30 tan  − − 2 tan 
u2 u

20u 2 = 30u 2 tan  − 4500 − 4500 tan 2 

4500 tan 2  − 30u 2 tan  + 4500 + 20u 2  = 0

2
4 4
4500   − 30u 2   + 4500 + 20u 2  = 0
3 3

8000 − 40u 2 + 4500 + 20u 2 = 0

12500 − 20u 2 = 0

u 2 = 625

u = + 625

u = 25 ms -1

Page | 13
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles


 4500 tan 2  − 30 ( 25 ) tan  + 4500 + 20 ( 25 )
2 2
=0
4500 tan 2  − 18750 tan  + 17000 = 0

4500 2 18750 17000


tan  − tan  + =0
250 250 250

18 tan 2  − 75 tan  + 68 = 0

− ( −75 )  ( −75 ) − 4 (18 )( 68 )


2

tan  =
2 (18 )
75  729
=
36
75  27
=
36
75 + 27 75 − 27
tan  = or tan  =
36 36
17 4
tan  = or tan  =
6 3

e.g. 9: A particle is projected with speed u at an angle  above the horizontal from
a point O on a horizontal plane. The particle moves freely under gravity.

(i) Write down the horizontal and vertical components of the velocity of the
particle at time T after projection.

At time T after projection, the direction of motion of the particle is perpendicular


to the direction of projection.

(ii) Express T in terms of u , g and  .

u
(iii) Deduce that T  .
g

Page | 14
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
Solutions
Sketch diagram here

(i) vx = ux + axt and ax = 0 . Therefore vx = u cos 

vy = u y + a yt and a y = − g . Therefore vy = u sin  − gt

uy vx
(ii) tan  = and tan  =
ux −v y

uy vx
Let =−
ux vy

u sin  u cos 
=−
u cos  u sin  − gt

−u 2 cos 2  = u 2 sin 2  − gt ( u sin  )


gt ( u sin  ) = u 2 cos 2  + u 2 sin 2 
gt ( u sin  ) = u 2 ( cos 2  + sin 2  )
gt ( u sin  ) = u 2
u2
t=
gu sin 
u
t=
g sin 

Page | 15
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
u
(iii) T=
g sin 

( g sin  )T = u
u
sin  =
gT

−1  sin   1

u
−1  1
gT

u
Using 1
gT
u  gT
u
T
g
u
T 
g

Deduced

e.g. 10: A particle P is projected with speed 25 ms −1 at an angle of  above the


horizontal from a point O on a horizontal plane and moves freely under gravity.
After 2 seconds the speed of P is 15 ms −1 .

(i) Find the value of sin 

(ii) Calculate the range of the flight

Page | 16
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
Solutions
Sketch diagram here

(i)
vx = u x + a x t
vx = 25cos

v y = u y + a yt
v y = 25sin  − 2 g

( 25cos ) + ( 25sin  − 2 g ) = (15 )


2 2 2

625cos 2  + 625sin 2  − 100 g sin  + 4 g 2 = 225

625 ( cos 2  + sin 2  ) − 100 g sin  + 4 g 2 − 225 = 0

−100 g sin  + 4 g 2 − 225 + 625 = 0

−1000sin  + 800 = 0

−1000 800
sin  + =0
200 200

−5sin  + 4 = 0

4
sin  =
5

Page | 17
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles
(ii)
4
sin  =
5
4
 = sin −1  
5  

v 2 sin ( 2 )
R=
g
  4 
( 25 ) sin 2sin −1   
2

  5 
=
10
R = 60 m

PAST PAPER QUESTIONS

Page | 18
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics
CAPE Applied Mathematics Unit 2
Topic: Projectiles

Page | 19
Written by: Mr. Garth Reid, Teacher of Pure and Applied Mathematics

Common questions

Powered by AI

Understanding projectile motion equations aids in diverse applications such as optimizing angles in sports to achieve desired ranges or heights, improving accuracy in devices that launch projectiles, and analyzing construction methods where parabolic trajectories might influence design safety. In sports, athletes can refine techniques to maximize performance, while engineers can ensure safety measures account for potential deviations from calculated paths due to factors like wind. Such predictive capabilities are pivotal in decision-making processes across fields .

Altering the angle of projection affects both the horizontal range and the maximum height of the projectile. A higher angle (closer to 90 degrees) increases the maximum height at the expense of range, while a lower angle focuses the velocity more horizontally, increasing range but decreasing height. The optimal angle for maximum range on a level surface is 45 degrees. These effects are due to the changes in the values of \( \sin \theta \) and \( \sin 2\theta \), which affect vertical and horizontal components of velocity respectively .

The maximum height H of a projectile is given by the formula \( H = \frac{v^2 \sin^2 \theta}{2g} \). It is derived from the kinematic equations of motion, where the vertical component of the initial velocity is \( v \sin \theta \). Upon reaching the maximum height, the vertical velocity becomes zero, allowing us to solve for H using \( H = \frac{v^2 \sin^2 \theta}{2g} \) by substituting \( t = \frac{v \sin \theta}{g} \) which is the time to reach maximum height .

The symmetry of a projectile's trajectory implies that the path to the maximum height mirrors the path back downward. This symmetry simplifies calculations for total time of flight as \( t = \frac{2v \sin \theta}{g} \), dividing the duration equally for ascent and descent. The horizontal range \( R = \frac{v^2 \sin 2\theta}{g} \) is directly affected by this symmetry as both horizontal motion during ascent and descent contribute to the total range. Thus, understanding the symmetry helps predict motion properties comprehensively .

The time of flight t for a projectile is calculated using the formula \( t = \frac{2v \sin \theta}{g} \). This expression comes from considering the motion to the peak and back, where the vertical displacement returns to zero. The time of flight is significant as it determines the total duration the projectile is in motion, influencing both the horizontal range and the maximum height reached .

The equation of a projectile's path is derived by eliminating time \( t \) from the horizontal \( x = v \cos \theta \cdot t \) and vertical \( y = v \sin \theta \cdot t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2 \) motion equations. Solving for \( t \) from the horizontal motion gives \( t = \frac{x}{v \cos \theta} \). Substituting this into the vertical equation gives \( y = x \tan \theta - \frac{gx^2}{2v^2 \cos^2 \theta} \), detailing the parabolic path of the projectile .

In reality, factors like air resistance can significantly affect theoretical calculations of range and height, often reducing them relative to ideal conditions where only gravity acts. Additionally, environmental factors such as wind can alter the path. The assumption of launching and landing surface being at the same height simplifies range calculations, but deviations affect accuracy. Practically, the projections' angle impacts the relative influence of these forces, with steeper angles favoring height and gentler angles favoring range .

In practical scenarios like a football being kicked, a higher initial velocity increases both the maximum height and range due to greater kinetic energy. The angle influences these aspects; a 45-degree angle is optimal for range, while angles closer to 90 degrees increase height but reduce range. Experimentally, if a football is kicked at 30 degrees with 30 m/s, it achieves a range of approximately 45 meters and a maximum height of 11.25 meters, illustrating the influence of angle and velocity .

The horizontal range R of a projectile is determined using the formula \( R = \frac{v^2 \sin 2\theta}{g} \). A projectile achieves its maximum range when launched at an angle of 45 degrees because \( \sin 2\theta \) reaches its maximum value of 1 at this angle, thereby maximizing the product \( v^2 \sin 2\theta \). This relationship is derived from the resolution of initial velocity into horizontal and vertical components and using the time of flight .

The horizontal displacement \( x \) and vertical displacement \( y \) of a projectile are described using \( x = v \cos \theta \cdot t \) and \( y = v \sin \theta \cdot t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2 \), respectively. The horizontal component \( v \cos \theta \) governs the range, while the vertical \( v \sin \theta \) governs the height and influences time of flight. The projection angle \( \theta \) determines the partition of the initial velocity into these components, fundamentally linking displacement and velocity .

You might also like