Force & Trajectory in 2D Motion

 | F | = newtons  θ = °  v0x = m/s  v0y = m/s

check, then click the "set values and play" button to see "ghost" images set at equal time intervals to mark the path of the ball.

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

A 250-gram hockey puck is acted upon by a single force.  It is free to slide on the ice (position is given in meters and time is given in seconds) in any direction.  You can set the force vector by changing its magnitude (0 N < F < 10 N) and direction.  The force vector is shown in the animation as a red arrow.  You also can set the initial velocity components (-15 m/s < v < 15 m/s).   Restart.

  1. When the initial velocity is zero, in what direction does the ball travel for a given force?
  2. When the initial velocity is not zero, in what direction does the ball travel for a given force? Hint: The best way to do this is to pick a nonzero v0x or v0y, not both.  Also turn on the ghosts.
  3. Try F = 5 N, θ = 270°, v0x = 7 m/s, and v0y = 15 m/s.  Does this motion look familiar?  Turn on the ghosts to help with the answer.

 

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