Projectile Motion Word Problems

Projectile Word Problems

• Projectile motion problems involve objects moving through the air under the influence of gravity.
• The GUESS method is a strategy for solving projectile problems. It involves several steps to organize and solve the problem.
• Identifying the known variables and unknown quantities within the problem helps guide the method.
• Diagrams and pictures can aid in visualizing the problem.

Ranking Horizontal Displacements

• The horizontal displacement of a projectile depends on the launch angle and initial velocity.
• The launch angle affects the horizontal displacement.
• A projectile launched at a higher angle will have a smaller horizontal displacement (initially).
• The greater the angle (up to 90°), the shorter the horizontal distance travelled.

Think-Solve-Pair-Share

• An athlete's jump example demonstrates calculating initial vertical velocity component to determine maximum height and total time in the air.
• The athlete's vertical velocity is an initial condition needed to determine the time to reach max height and total time of flight.
• The equations used depend on the type of motion being considered: either vertical components (e.g., affected by gravity) or horizontal components (motion at a constant velocity).

Independent Practice

• A projectile launched at a specific angle and speed is used to calculate initial vertical velocity and maximum height reached.
• The calculation involves understanding trajectory characteristics.
• Using a known launch angle and speed, the initial vertical velocity component can be calculated.
• With variables like initial vertical velocity and acceleration due to gravity, you can determine the projectile maximum height.

Turn n Talk

• A rock thrown from a cliff at a specific angle with initial velocity is used to find the vertical component of velocity.
• This problem differs from previous examples because the projectile is launched from a height (cliff).
• The time it takes the rock to hit the ground and the cliff's height are determined.

Now Solve Independently

• This section focuses on solving another example that follows the GUESS method (similar to the previous example in the notes).
• The question involves a rock projected at a certain angle from a cliff finding the vertical component of its initial velocity and the cliff's height based on the time it takes to reach the ground.

Group Work

• Group work involves solving problems about projectiles in teams.
• Students take on different roles (e.g., recorder, reporter, captain).
• The tasks include completing worksheets focusing on the GUESS method.
• Each group member has a role to complete, and steps in the method should be followed.

This quiz focuses on solving projectile motion problems using the GUESS method. You'll learn to identify known and unknown variables while analyzing horizontal displacements based on launch angles. Additionally, you will explore the application of these concepts through practical examples.