SPH4U Learning Activity 1.

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Projectile motion simulation

Projectile motion simulation

1.3 Examining kinematics

There are seven tasks to complete in this activity. Using the projectile motion simulation
complete each of these tasks. Be sure to record your answers, you will use them as a reference
to complete the follow up questions.
To find the time, range and height of the projectile, drag the tool shown in this diagram to any
part of the projectile’s trajectory. If you want to find the maximum height, move the tool to the
top of its path. If you want to find the time or range of flight, move the tool to where the projectile
landed.

Task 1:
Keeping the angle constant, remove air resistance then vary the initial speed of the
projectile for each time you fire the canon.
How does changing the magnitude of the initial velocity change the range?

How does changing the magnitude of the initial velocity change the maximum height?

How does changing the magnitude of the initial velocity change the time of flight?

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 SPH4U Learning Activity 1.3
Projectile motion simulation

Task 2:
Keeping the speed of the projectile fixed, remove air resistance then vary the firing angle of
the projectile for each time you fire the canon.
How does changing the initial angle change the range?

How does changing the initial angle change the maximum height?

How does changing the initial angle change the time of flight?

Task 3:
Keeping the speed of the projectile fixed, remove air resistance, keep the firing angle of the
projectile constant and vary the mass for each time you fire the canon.
How does changing the mass of the projectile change the range?

How does changing the mass of the projectile change the maximum height?

How does changing the mass of the projectile change the time of flight?

Task 4:
Keeping the speed of the projectile fixed, remove air resistance, keep the firing angle of the
projectile constant and vary the diameter of the object for each time you fire the canon.
How does changing the diameter of the projectile change the range?

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 SPH4U Learning Activity 1.3
Projectile motion simulation

How does changing the diameter of the projectile change the maximum height?

How does changing the diameter of the projectile change the time of flight?

Task 5:
Which launch angle gives the maximum:
Range?

Height?

Time of flight?

Task 6:
When firing horizontally, how does the speed of the projectile effect:
Range?

Time of flight?

Task 7:
How does varying the height of the cannon above level ground effect:
Range?

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 SPH4U Learning Activity 1.3
Projectile motion simulation

Maximum height?

Time of flight?

Review Questions:
From the simulation, when you keep the angle constant, remove air resistance, and vary the
initial speed of the projectile.
1. Identify if the following statements are true or false:
a. When you keep the angle constant and remove air resistance then increase the
initial velocity, the range decreases.

b. When you keep the angle constant and remove air resistance then decrease the
initial velocity, the maximum height decreases.

c. When you increase the initial velocity, the time of flight increases.

d. If the angle and initial speed remain fixed and the air resistance is ignored, but the
mass is varied, the range, maximum height and time of flight all increase.

e. If the angle and initial speed remains fixed and the air resistance is ignored but the
diameter of the object is varied, the range, maximum height and time of flight all
decrease.

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 SPH4U Learning Activity 1.3
Projectile motion simulation

2. Still referring to the completed simulation, if you keep the speed of the projectile fixed but
vary the firing angle. How does changing the initial angle change the:
a) Range.

Suggested answer: In the range from 0° to 45°, increasing the angle increases the range.
Beyond 45°, increasing the angle decreases the range.

b) maximum height.

Suggested answer: Increasing the angle, increases the maximum height.

c) Time off flight.

Suggested answer: Increasing the angle, increases the time of flight.

3. Still referring to the simulation, when firing horizontally, how does the speed of the
projectile effect:
a) Range.

Suggested answer: An increase in the speed of the projectile increases the range.

b) Time of flight.

Suggested answer: There is no change to the time of flight.

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 SPH4U Learning Activity 1.3
Projectile motion simulation

4. Which launch angle gives the maximum

a) Range.

Suggested answer: 45°

b) Height.

Suggested answer: Close to 90° (90° would be the maximum)

c) Time of flight.

Suggested answer: Close to 90° (90° would be the maximum)

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