Vectors+and+Projectile+Motion

**September 30 - Alex**
Topic: Vector addition + Rocky Mountain Express Idea: How to add vectors using the tip-to-tail method for right-angle triangles and non right-angle triangles.

To add two vectors, simply lay them tip to tail. Touch one vectors tail with the other's tip while still maintaining their correct directions.

Then if the two vectors form a right-angle triangle with each other, use the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude of the resultant vector and the sin, cos, and tan functions to find the direction of the vector.

For non right-angle triangles, use either the cosine law or the sign law depending on which vector magnitudes and directions are given.

October 4 - Brittany
Topic: Vectors Idea: How to draw/calculate vectors with respects to frames of reference

(as per wikipedia) A **frame of reference** is how one knows if an object is moving. For example, when you see a ball roll down a street, you can tell the ball is moving because the frame of reference is the streets, whatever may be on the side of the roads or the Earth. All of these are a frame of reference. The most common frame of reference is Earth itself, even though it moves. This just means that objects motion is relative to its frame of reference.

Ex. 1 Train moving stright N at 10m/s. A person crosses the train eastward at 4m/s. Find the overall velocity of the person (they're walking across the train, from aisle to aisle) Step 1. Draw the vectors! Make sure to include a set of axis in every drawing! 2. Sketch the vectors onto the set of axis. Labeling them so that it vectors have names like this : T V L where the first letter (T) denotes the object, in this case the train. V is velocity and the second letter (in this case L) denotes the frame of reference, in this case the land. Another example would be P V L, where P is the plane and L is the land. The resulting vector should always be in reference to the land. **you just sub in the variables that fit to your vector drawing. 3. Depending on the triangle that is made you could use multiple equations to figure out the magnitude of the vector (i.e Pythagorean theorem for RAT's( Right Angle Triangles), cosine law for 2 sides and a contained angle, or sine law). Then use SOH CAH TOA to figure out the resulting angle if needed.

Here's a really cool video about frames of references and the objects relativity. It's a little long but it's interesting ! []

October 5 - Monette
Topic: Vecors Idea: Combining two variables into a a vector

Example 2: Non-RATS vectors

Example 3- Vector incorporating distance and velocity

Homework: - Prepare for brief 2-3 min description on the exhibit your group has chosen to represent grade 11 physics terms. Due this Friday. (Upload picture of the exhibit if you haven't done so.) - Complete the Vectors Practice Problems worksheet so that you get practice and ensure you really understand vectors!

October 11 - Cheryl
Topic: Vectors Idea: More vector problems

Today, we completed a vector problem in class together: Then, we completed more vector problems in groups, which were handed in.

__Homework:__
The questions on the backside of the sheet (#1-5) are to be completed for Friday.

October 12 - Adam
Topic: Projectile Motion Idea: Intro to Projectile Motion.


 * Today, we realized that some of us have a greater background in projectile motion than others. BUT THAT'S OKAY!
 * We began by looking at the thought experiment of the monkey and the zookeeper:
 * The questions that were asked along with this experiment were; What will happen if the banana is shot directly at the monkey in a gravity free environment, with gravity, with a high velocity, or with a low velocity.
 * The class was split on the majority of the problems, some saying the monkey would get the banana, others saying it would have to go hungry.


 * We worked on an online packaged that outlined the basics about projectile motion.
 * It used the website: []
 * The key points that were involved in the booklet were as follows:
 * Mass does NOT have an effect on any of the measurements of projectile motion.
 * An increasing initial velocity increases all measurements of projectile motion, except end velocity, which is always the same as initial velocity.
 * Two paired angles that have a sum of 90 degrees will have the same horizontal distance (Maximum Range)
 * The x and y components are the same for a 45 degree angle.
 * Air resistance decreases all measurements of projectile motion.
 * The graph of projectile motion is always a parabola.


 * Finally, we completed a worksheet that showed the graphs of projectile motion.


 * Judging by the key points that were learned from the online booklet, it can then be applied to the thought experiment involving the monkey.

SO! The question remains: Will the monkey get his banana? Stay tuned for tomorrow's note to find out.

October 18 - Cheryl
Topic: Projectile Motion Idea: Using projectile motion calculations for a real life situation

Today we completed a challenge in our projectile motion groups. Each group was given a ramp, a clamp to set up the ramp, and a marble. Using projectile motion calculations and the concept of conservation of energy, each group must drop the marble down the ramp so it flies directly into a cup. The horizontal distance from the ramp to the cup was the variable required.

Equations used: > Ek = 1/2mv^2 > since Ep = Ek and mass is constant throughout, therefore gh = 1/2mv^2
 * 1) Ep = mgh
 * 1) dy=vit + 1/2at^2
 * 2) dx=vt

Air resistance and friction needed to be accounted for in the final answer, so the cups were brought closer than calculated. Even so, most groups were unable to launch the marble into the cup, and those groups that did either guessed or overestimated the influence of friction and air resistance.