Interpreting a graph of an object’s acceleration can be tricky, especially when the graph is linear: An object moving with a constant velocity moves through equal distance segments as time transpires. To the contrary, an object that is undergoing a constant acceleration has a velocity that changes as time transpires. As a consequence, plots ofContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Graph-Slope Interpretation”
Tag Archives: vectors
AP PHYSICS: Vector Components
Q: A projectile flies with a velocity of 750 km per hour at a 300 angle south of east: What is the magnitude of the eastward component of motion? A: The projectile is moving both eastward and south simultaneously. The eastward component of motion is determined by using an appropriate trigonometric function that relates theContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Vector Components”
AP PHYSICS: Vector Components
When vectors are oriented away from the ( x ) and ( y ) axes, they can be evaluated using ( x ) and ( y ) components. These components can be linked together in a tip-to-tail fashion which yields the same results as the primary vector in question: It is useful to imagine theContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Vector Components”
AP PHYSICS: The Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometric functions establish useful relationships between the sides of a right triangle that exists within the perimeter ( circumference ) of a unit circle. We are now ready to see how the Pythagorean Theorem does this as well. In the right triangle below, the “ legs “ around the right angle are equal in length,Continue reading “AP PHYSICS: The Pythagorean Theorem”
AP PHYSICS: Trigonometry and Vector Components
Q: A charged species traveling at a constant velocity ( v ) through a magnetic field ( B ) will experience a force if the direction of motion is at a 900 angle with the B-field. How can trigonometry be used to quantify this phenomena? A: The magnetic force ( Fm ) on the chargedContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Trigonometry and Vector Components”
AP PHYSICS: The Unit Circle and Basic Trigonometric Functions
Imagine a bat hitting a baseball head on. The ball-to-bat force pair created upon impact is unbalanced; thus, after impact, the ball will sail outward in the opposite direction. What if, however, the bat-to-ball collision occurred at an angle? How would the magnitude of force imparted to the ball change? Answers to these types ofContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: The Unit Circle and Basic Trigonometric Functions”
ENERGY AND MOMENTUM: Final Velocity of Target and Projection After Elastic Collision ( Part 1 )
Q: Within a given system, a projectile moves with a constant velocity ( v1 ) prior to colliding with a stationary target of equal mass ( m1 = m2 ). Since the system is isolated from outside forces, momentum ( p ) and kinetic energy ( KE ) both are conserved during the collision. (Continue reading “ENERGY AND MOMENTUM: Final Velocity of Target and Projection After Elastic Collision ( Part 1 )”
FORCE AND ACCELERATION: Net Force Exerted on a Ring
Q: How may we determine the net force ( F ) exerted on the ring below? A: We must first reduce the F1 and F2 vectors into their x/y-components: The F1y and F2y components of F1 and F2 oppose the motion of F3. The net force in the y-direction is as follows: Fnety = F2yContinue reading “FORCE AND ACCELERATION: Net Force Exerted on a Ring”
ELECTROSTATICS: Unit Vector Analysis of a Two-Charge System ( Part 2 )
Q: Two subatomic particles have a charge of 1.0 x 10-6 C, and they are located on the x-axis at coordinates ( -1.0 m, 0.0 m ) and ( 1.0 m, 0.0 m ). Please calculate the following: The net electric field when a positive test charge ( P ) is situated at coordinates (Continue reading “ELECTROSTATICS: Unit Vector Analysis of a Two-Charge System ( Part 2 )”
ELECTROSTATICS: An Equilateral Triangle’s Center of Mass ( Part 2 )
In a prior example, a visually engaging technique was used to locate the center of mass within an equilateral triangle: A more mathematically detailed approach will now be used to determine the center of mass location. The diagram above must be expanded in such a manner that trigonometry can be applied to our efforts: TheContinue reading “ELECTROSTATICS: An Equilateral Triangle’s Center of Mass ( Part 2 )“
RENAISSANCE PHYSICS 