projectile motion

• factors affecting horizontal displacement of projectiles

  projection speed

  projection angle

  relative height

  air resistance
• projection speed affecting horizontal displacement of projectiles

  the greater the speed, the further the projectile will travel horizontally

  foe example: a rugby player kicking a ball with more force will achieve a greater distance
• projection angle affecting horizontal displacement of projectiles

  the angle at which a projectile is launched significantly impacts its horizontal displacement - generally a 45-degree angle maximises horizontal distance when launched and landing heights are equal (like throwing a javelin)
• relative height affecting horizontal displacement of projectiles

  the difference in height between the launch and landing points affects horizontal difference

  launching from a higher point increases the potential for greater horizontal displacement (like a ski jumper launching from a higher ramp)
• air resistance affecting horizontal displacement of projectiles

  the force opposes motion and reduces horizontal displacement

  e.g. a shuttlecock, with its large surface area and light weight, is heavily affected by air resistance, whereas a dense shot put is less impacted
• factors affecting flight paths of different projectiles

  mass, shape and forces acting on it

  shot put - a heavy, dense object with minimal air resistance follows a near parabolic trajectory, primarily influenced by gravity

  shuttlecock - light weight and aerodynamic shape - experienced significant air resistance, resulting in a steeper descent and shorter flight compared to s parabolic path

  football - the spin imparted on the ball during throwing or kicking can create lift and curve, altering its flight path
• vector components of parabolic flight

  horizontal component

  vertical component
• horizontal component of parabolic flight

  constant velocity, unaffected by gravity

  determines horizontal displacement
• vertical component of parabolic flight

  subject to constant gravitational acceleration, influencing height and time of flight
• optimising projectile motion in sport

  shot put - athletes focus on maximising projection speed and achieving optimal releases angle

  javelin - athlete aims for a balance between projectile speed and the ideal angle foe their physique and technique

  badminton - players manipulate shuttlecock trajectory with different strokes (smash, drop, clear) to outmanoeuvre opponents
• fluid mechanics

  the study off how fluids (liquids and gases) behave when forces are applied to them
• drag

  a force that opposes the motion of an object though a fluid (air or water) - it acts in the opposing direction to the objects motion

  • surface drag
  • shape drag
• surface drag

  caused by friction between the fluid and the surface of the object

  rough surfaces increase surface drag
• shape drag

  caused by the pressure differences created by the flow of fluid around an object

  streamlined shapes reduce shape drag
• lift

  a force that acts perpendicular to the direction of motion through a fluid

  it can be upwards or downwards
• dynamic fluid forces

  drag

  lift
• factors affecting drag

  velocity

  cross-sectional area

  surface roughness

  shape
• velocity affecting drag

  drag increases exponentially with velocity

  doubling speed quadruples drag
• cross-sectional area affecting drag

  a larger cross-sectional area facing the flow of fluid increases drag

  cyclists crouch to reduce their frontal area
• surface roughness affecting drag

  rough surfaces increase surface drag due to increased friction

  swimmers wear smooth suits to minimise drag
• shape affecting drag

  streamlined shapes reduce shape drag by allowing the fluid to flow smoothly around the object
• Bernoulli's principle

  states that as the velocity of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases
• Bernoulli's principle explaining how lift is generated in a discus throw

  the spinning discus creates a difference in air velocity above and below it

  the higher velocity above results in lower pressure, creating an upward lift force that helps the discus travel further
• Bernoulli's principle explaining how lift is generated in a speed skater

  speed skaters primarily focus on reducing drag

  however, they do benefit from a slight downward force to enhance their grip on the ice and maintain stability or climbing, applying a downward force on the pedals can enhance traction and power transfer
• Bernoulli's principle explaining how lift is generated in a cyclist

  cyclists mainly aim to minimise drag and, in some cases, generate a small amount of upward lift

  while downward force isn't their primary goal, in scenarios like sprinting or climbing, applying a downward force on the pedals can enhance traction and power transfer
• Bernoulli's principle explaining how lift is generated in a racing car

  racing cars heavily rely on downforce for stability and grip at high speeds

  this downforce is generated through the manipulation of air pressure

  the design of the wings, spoilers and the car's underbody creates a high-pressure zone above the car and a low-pressure zone beneath it

  this pressure difference results in a net downforce, effectively pushing the car onto the track and improving traction