Fluid mechanics and projectile motion Flashcards
What is fluid mechanics/
the study of the forces acting on a body travelling through the air or water.
When does air resistance act on a body?
a body travelling at high velocity through air
WHat is the force of drag?
a force that opposes the direction of motion of a body through water.
What are the four main factors affecting the magnitude of air resistance and drag on a body?
- velocity
- frontal cross- sectional area
- streamlining and shape
- surface characteristics
How does velocity effect air resistance and drag?
- greater the velocity, greater the air resistance or drag
How does frontal cross sectional area effect drag + air reistance ?
larger the frontal cross sectional area, larger air resistance or drag
How does streamlining and shape effect air resistance and drag?
more streamlined and aerodynamic the shape of the body in motion, the lower the air resistance or drag
How does surface characteristics effect air resistance or drag?
smoother the surface, lower the air resistance or drag
What is projectile motion?
movement of a body through the air following a curved flight path under hte force of gravity
What is a projectile?
a body that is launched into the air losing contact with the ground surface
What four factors is the horizontal distance travlled by a projectile effected by?
- speed of release
- angle of release
- height of release
- aerodynamic factors
Explain how a the distance travlled by a projectile is mainly effected by speed of release?
This is due to newtons second law of acceleration. The greater the force applied to the projectile, the greater the change in momentum and acceleration of the projectile in air
Explain how angle of release effects the distance travelled by a projectile?
- if released at 90 will go straight up
- at 45 it is the optimal angle
- greater then 45, the projectile will peak to early
- less then 45, insufficient height
WHat is a parabola?
- uniform curve symmetrical about its highest point
In flight what is a projectile effected by?
weight and air resistance
What is a parabolic flight path?
a flight path symetrical about its highest point caused by the dominant weight force of a projectile
When would a parabolic flight path occur?
if weight is the dominant force and air resistance is very small
What is a non parabolic flight path?
a flight path asymmetrical about its highest point caused by the dominant force of air resistance on the projectile