The Physics Classroom » Objectives » Vectors and Projectiles

Vectors and Projectiles Objectives

The Minds On Physics program consists of 15 topics. Each topic consists of a varying number of missions. Every mission addresses one to three objectives. The objectives for Vectors and Projectiles are listed below.
 

 

  • Mission VP1:
    • The student should be able to identify the direction of a vector (using the Cartesian coordinate system) if given a graphical representation of a vector.
    • The student should be able to identify the direction of a vector (using the Cartesian coordinate system) if given a graphical representation of the vector and surrounding (and sometimes distracting) vectors.
       
  • Mission VP2:
    • The student should be able to understand the basic method of head-to-tail addition and use the method to determine the resultant of two or more vectors.
    • The student should be able to utilize an understanding of the head-to-tail method of vector addition in order to analyze and interpret a vector addition diagram.
       
  • Mission VP3:
    • The student should be able to apply a sense of vector addition to answer basic questions about the process and the result of the process.
    • The student should be able to utilize vector addition diagrams to determine the resultant of three or more vectors.
       
  • Mission VP4:
    • The student should be able to use the Pythagorean theorem to add two or more vectors in order to determine the magnitude of the resultant.
    • The student should be able to trigonometric principles to add two or more vectors in order to determine the direction of the resultant.
       
  • Mission VP5:
    • The student should be able to define vector component and describe their meaning and importance.
    • The student should be able to use graphical and trigonometric methods to determine the components of a given vector.
       
  • Mission VP6:
    • The student should be able to recognize the interdependence of the various kinematic and vector quantities associated with the motion of a river boat across a river in the presence of a current.
    • The student should be able to calculate the values of the various kinematic quantities (time, distance, and velocity) for the motion of a river boat across a river in the presence of a current.
       
  • Mission VP7:
    • The student should be able to define projectile motion and relate the definition to very basic kinematic and dynamic principles.
    • The student should be able to identify the direction and magnitude of the only force present on a projectile.
       
  • Mission VP8:
    • The student should be able to extend the definition of a projectile in order to describe a projectile's acceleration.
    • The student should be able to extend the definition of a projectile in order to describe the nature of the projectile's horizontal and vertical velocity components.
       
  • Mission VP9:
    • The student should be able to interpret a velocity vector diagram for a projectile in order to predict the relative magnitude of the horizontal and vertical velocity components at various times during the trajectory.
    • The student should be able to determine the magnitudes of the horizontal and vertical velocity components of a projectile.
       
  • Mission VP10:
    • The student should be able to identify and describe the variables which effect the time of flight of a projectile.
    • The student should be able to identify and describe the variables which effect the horizontal and vertical displacement of a projectile.


       








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