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Physics Tutorial 3.12 - Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion

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There are 2 lessons in this physics tutorial covering Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion. The tutorial starts with an introduction to Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion and is then followed with a list of the separate lessons, the tutorial is designed to be read in order but you can skip to a specific lesson or return to recover a specific physics lesson as required to build your physics knowledge of Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion. you can access all the lessons from this tutorial below.

In this Physics tutorial, you will learn:

  • What is a projectile?
  • How to divide the study of a projectile?
  • What kinds of motion are involved in a projectile?
  • What are the equations used during the study of a projectile?

Introduction

If you throw a stone vertically upwards, it eventually will fall on the ground after reaching a certain height. In this case, the object makes a one-dimensional vertical motion. We have discussed this situation in the Physics tutorial "The Meaning of Acceleration. Constant and Non-Constant Acceleration. Gravitational Acceleration." We have stated that this kind of motion is decelerated when the object is moving upwards and accelerated when it is moving downwards (when it is falling down). It is obvious the acceleration produced in this case is caused by the gravity. Therefore, (as stated in the abovementioned tutorial), it is also known as the "gravitational acceleration" or the "acceleration of free fall."

However, very rarely occurs that an object thrown upwards falling again at the starting point. It is difficult to have such a precision even if you try a lot. In most cases, the object will fall at another place, so its trajectory is not purely vertical. This tutorial is dedicated to such situations i.e. it deals with objects thrown at a certain angle to the horizontal direction that is different from 90° (because if the throwing angle was 90° to the horizon, the motion would be only vertical).

Please select a specific "Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion" lesson from the table below, review the video tutorial, print the revision notes or use the practice question to improve your knowledge of this physics topic.

Kinematics Learning Material
Tutorial IDPhysics Tutorial TitleTutorialVideo
Tutorial
Revision
Notes
Revision
Questions
3.12Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion
Lesson IDPhysics Lesson TitleLessonVideo
Lesson
3.12.1What is a projectile?
3.12.2The Physics of Projectile

Whats next?

Enjoy the "Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion" physics tutorial? People who liked the "Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion" tutorial found the following resources useful:

  1. Physics tutorial Feedback. Helps other - Leave a rating for this tutorial (see below)
  2. Kinematics Revision Notes: Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion. Print the notes so you can revise the key points covered in the physics tutorial for Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion
  3. Kinematics Practice Questions: Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion. Test and improve your knowledge of Motion in Two Dimensions. Projectile Motion with example questins and answers
  4. Check your calculations for Kinematics questions with our excellent Kinematics calculators which contain full equations and calculations clearly displayed line by line. See the Kinematics Calculators by iCalculator™ below.
  5. Continuing learning kinematics - read our next physics tutorial: Relative Motion

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