Simulation for Projectile Motion (with air resistance)

In this activity, we will analyse the effects of air resistance on the range and maximum height
of a projectile.
We will also study the trajectory of a projectile under the influence of air resistance
1. Click on this link.

2. Follow instructions as in the image below:

3. Record down the values you have obtained below:

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 Without air resistance

Time taken /s
Range / m
Height/ m
Final speed / m s-1

4. Repeat part 2. above, but tick the air resistance box.

5. Record down the values you have obtained below:

With air resistance

Time taken /s
Range / m
Height/ m
Final speed / m s-1

6. Answer these questions:

a. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate responses:

Air resistance __________________ (increases, decreases, has no effect on) the

maximum height of a projectile that is launched at the same velocity.

Air resistance __________________ (increases, decreases, has no effect on) the

range of a projectile that is launched at the same velocity.

Air resistance __________________ (increases, decreases, has no effect on) the

time the projectile spends in flight for a projectile that is launched at the same
velocity.

b. Suggest how air resistance changes the:

I. maximum height,

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

II. range,

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 _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
of a projectile.
7. The trajectory of a projectile is made up of two parts, the rise and the fall. During the
rise part, the projectile travels up towards its maximum height. During its fall, it falls
from the maximum height to the ground.

The trajectory of the projectile that is launched without the effects of air resistance is
symmetrical. This means that the time to rise and the time to fall are similar.
We will now consider the trajectory of a projectile launched under the influence of air
resistance.
Answer these questions:
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate responses:
The trajectory of a projectile that is launched under the influence of air resistance is
__________________ (symmetrical, asymmetrical).
The section of the trajectory during the rise of the projectile is ________________
(less steep than, more steep than, the same as) the trajectory during its fall.
Under the influence of air resistance, the horizontal distance travelled by the projectile
during its rise is ___________________ (less than, more than, equal to) the horizontal
distance it travels during its fall.