2D and 3D Motion & Projectile Motion

Notes

Position, Velocity, and Acceleration in 2D and 3D Motion AY2627 - General Physics 1 Learning Targets At the end of this module, learners should be able to: • Describe position, velocity, and acceleration as vector quantities. • Represent vectors in two dimensions and three dimensions. • Resolve vectors into components. • Determine displacement, velocity, and acceleration vectors in 2D and 3D motion. • Di↵erentiate scalar and vector quantities. • Apply vector operations in analyzing motion. Introduction Many types of motion in the real world occur in more than one dimension. A car turning at an intersection, a projectile launched into the air, and an airplane flying through the sky all involve motion in two or three dimensions. In one-dimensional motion, quantities such as position, velocity, and acceleration can be described using positive and negative directions along a straight line. However, in two-dimensional and three-dimensional motion, direction becomes more complex. To properly describe motion in multiple dimensions, vectors are used. Vectors allow physicists to describe both the magnitude and direction of motion. Using vector representation makes it possible to analyze mot...