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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

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.


2 comments:

  1. Good posting and excellent connection to sports.
    When we do reflections I would like to hear more specifics about the topics. In this case you need to write about how to do vector addition and a little more about the two cases of projectile motion not just a list of items. You should include an explanation of the two components of projectile motion and what are their characteristics.
    The trick in recognizing equations is that only ONE applies to the x-direction: v=x/t. All of the other equations include acceleration (g) so they belong to the y-component.

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  2. okey dokeys!! Thanks so much! I fixed a few things for you...

    :) <3

    -Nicole

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