Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion.... BOOYAAHH

This is what I learned about Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion. I learned how to find the x (horizontal) and y (vertical) components of motion using trigonometry and the equation SOH-CAH-TOA. I learned about vector components and how to find the velocity and range in different problems. I learned about projectile motion and how when an object is launched upward it has a negative acceleration and why. In a Projectile Motion problem, there are two forces acting on the object. The x force and the y force. The x force represents horizontal motion and the y force represents vertical motion. The acceleration is only used when trying to find any y component problems such as y, velocity of y, initial velocity of y, etc. I learned a lot about the motion of objects. What I have found difficult about what I have studied is remembering all of the different equations and when to use each respective equation. My problem solving skills definately increased the more problems I worked on. Again, one of my weaknesses was (and kinda still is...) remembering the equations and when to use them. Once I figure out which equation is appropriate, everything is quite easy from there on out. I did well on vector addition and finding Resultants. To add vectors together you take the velocity/speed and the "theta" of both forces and to find the x-component you use the velocity cosine theta. Ex: A=(5N,37 degrees) B=(3N,180 degrees) you do 5 cos 37 + 3 cos 180 to find the x component and to find the y, you do the same thing only using sine. Overall though, projectile motion was fairly simple and easy to understand. Our studies are definately part of our everyday lives. Projectile motion is used every time Dirk Nowitzki shoots a basketball or everytime Tiger Woods hits a golf ball.



Velocity? Where?!

In order to succed in a physics course, one must understand the concept of velocity. It is extremely important to understand what velocity is because it is used in almost all aspects of physics. Velocity is the speed and direction of an object. In more specific terms: Velocity is the rate at which an object changes it's position. Velocity can sometimes be very difficult to understand because it is used in so many components of physics. It can be used to find many different ideas. In our physics class, we first came across velocity in the beginning of our kinematics unit. We use velocity to find acceleration. Velocity can also be used when working with vectors and projectile motion. I created a comic using Pixton to help illustrate velocity and what is means. I also have a "Tagxedo" with all of the most important terms from our unit.

My comic is shown below:


:)  <3