Uniform acceleration is when the speed of an object changes at the same
rate. This leads to the study of motion using equations and known as kinematics.
Knowing details such as how fast an object is going after a given time interval
rather than just the fact that the object is moving is our primary interest. To
describe the properties, characteristics and behavior of motion with greater detail
the following equations were discussed.
The four kinematic equations can be utilized to predict the unknown information
about an object’s motion if other information is present. These equations can only
be utilized if the motion undergoes constant velocity (a = 0) or a motion having a
constant acceleration.
The motion of objects acted solely by gravity is also an example of uniform
acceleration having a constant value of g=−9.8m/s 2.(“-” means downward). It is
associated with free-falling objects and objects thrown vertically straight to the air.
With this, we also transform our Kinematic Equations along the horizontal to
Kinematic Equations along the vertical by changing variable x to y and a to g.
There are few conceptual characteristics of free fall motion that you need to recall
in applying the equations from the above table:
An object in free-fall experiences an acceleration of -9.8m/s 2. (The negative
sign indicates a downward acceleration) Whether explicitly stated or not, the
value of the acceleration in the kinematic equations is -9.8 m/s 2 for any
freely falling object.
If an object is merely dropped (as opposed to being thrown) from an
elevated height, then the initial velocity of the object is 0 m/s.
If an object is projected upwards in a perfectly vertical direction, then it will
slow down as it rises upward. The instant at which it reaches the peak of its
trajectory, its velocity is 0 m/s. This value can be used as one of the motion
parameters in the kinematic equations;
If an object is projected upwards in a perfectly vertical direction, then the
velocity at which it is projected is equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to
the velocity that it has when it returns to the same height.
For this lesson, you will learn the definition of projectile motion and the associated
concepts. Furthermore, we will learn that projectile motion consists of two motions
where we can apply the kinematic equations for both vertical and horizontal
motions.
Projectile motion is a form of motion where an object given an initial
velocity is thrown or projected and is allowed to be acted on by gravity in a curved-
like path. These objects are called projectiles. The curved path followed by a
projectile is called a trajectory.
In projectile motion, the physical principles and mathematical formulas that
must be applied are those concepts that were recalled earlier. Combining the two
allows us to make predictions concerning projectile motion. As such the principles
and formulas are well understood in various types of projectile problems.
Type 1: Horizontally Launched Projectiles
Horizontally launched projectiles are projectiles that are launched with an
initial velocity from an elevated position and follows a curved-like path to the
ground.
Consider the figure below.
In Figure1.3, the motion of the man as it dives into the water is moving along a
curved path downwards due to a natural force called gravitational force of the earth
or gravity. Gravity is the natural force that causes objects to fall towards the earth.
Hence, the acceleration due to gravity is always directed downwards and has a
value of -9.8m/s2. With this, the motion of the man undergoes projectile motion.
Type 2: Angle-Launched Projectiles
Angle-launched projectiles are projectiles launched at an angle with respect
to the horizontal and rises to a peak while moving horizontally. Upon reaching the
peak, the projectile falls with a motion that is symmetrical to its path upwards to the
peak.
Consider the situation below.
Figure 1.4: A sepak takraw player kicking a rattan ball over the net.
What is the projectile in Figure 1.4? If you think that the rattan ball is the projectile,
then you are right! How do you describe its trajectory? The rattan ball is travelling
on a curved path. In mathematical terms, what do you call this pattern? Try to
rearrange the following letters for you to answer the question
If you got the term parabola, then you were right! An angle-launched
projectile exhibits a full parabolic trajectory motion. This shows that as the player
kicked the rattan ball in the air, the ball will eventually go back to the ground still
due to gravity as it moves horizontally. Hence projectile motion consists of
horizontal and vertical motion working independently.
Activity1.1: Sketch Me Quick
Situation1: Free Kick!
Sam was given a free kick. Illustrate the trajectory of the ball by using
dash lines in order for Sam to get a goal. On your answer sheet draw the figure
and explain how you came up with that trajectory.
Figure1.6: Free kick scenario in soccer.
Illustrated by: Jumari S. Sapio
Situation 2: Throwing of Garbage
Mat wants to shoot a crumpled paper inside the trash bin. Help him shoot his
garbage right at the trash can by illustrating the trajectory using dash lines. Explain
below how you ended up with that trajectory.
Activity 1.2: Quiz Time!
I. Identify if the following illustrations show projectile motion or not. Put a (/) if it’s a
projectile and (X) mark if it’s not. NOTE: Write the number only and put a or x.
Figure1.8: Check-boxed illustrations
II. Inside the box is a list of sports/games. Classify the sports/games whether they
exhibit projectile motion or not. Complete the table on your answer sheet.
Activity 1.3: World of Sports!
Copy and accomplish the table below by listing a set of five different sports
activities that can be considered to involve projectile motion.
Activity 1.3: World of Sports!
Copy and accomplish the table below by listing a set of five different sports
activities that can be considered to involve projectile motion.
FEBRUARY 17, 2025 – ACCOMPLISH ACTIVITY 1.1, 1.2, AND 1.3 ON YOUR ACTIVITY
NOTEBOOK. HAVE IT SIGNED BY YOUR RELIEVER TEACHER.
Prepared by:
SHERYLL L. ABESAMIS
Master Teacher II