Parabolic Motion: 2D Trajectory Under Gravity

Parabolic Motion: 2D Trajectory Under Gravity
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2018-10-31 16:05
This GeoGebra worksheet demonstrates the parabolic trajectory of an object moving under gravity in a 2D plane. Users can freely adjust initial position (x0, y0), initial velocity magnitude and direction (v0) using sliders, observing the moving point P and velocity vectors (vx, vy) in real-time. Core mathematical concepts include parabolic equations, vector decomposition, and kinematic formulas. The construction uses Segment and Vector commands for arrows, parametric equations xt=v0x*t, yt=y0+v0y*t-0.5*g*t^2 for trajectory plotting, with slider animations showing the complete motion. Ideal for high school physics projectile motion teaching, mathematical modeling courses, and parametric equation visualization.

GeoGebra Commands & Parameters

  1. Segment(P, PX) → SX
  2. Segment(P, PY) → SY
  3. Vector(P, PV) → VP
  4. Vector(PX, PVX) → VPX
  5. Vector(PY, PVY) → VPY
  6. Segment(PV, PVX) → SVX
  7. Segment(PV, PVY) → SVY
  8. Vector(P0, PV0) → VV0