Natural Sciences >> Physics

Applying Calculus in finding elements of Projectile Motion

by Areebah Khandaker

 

Submitted : Spring 2022


 

In physics, the concept of calculus can be applied when finding acceleration, position, and velocity by either taking the integral or derivatives depending on what equations are given and what one is asked to solve. In this paper, derivation will be strictly used to calculate the velocity and acceleration using the position versus time equation which will be useful in helping a person determine their reaction time in catching a ball that is thrown vertically in the air. The velocity can be calculated as the speed of an object in a given direction and is a vector. Acceleration is also a vector and is the rate of change of velocity over time. The calculation of velocity, specifically the velocity that a ball falls to the ground is important because it can help a pitcher determine when to be ready to catch the ball and how long they should expect the ball to be in the air. Lastly, calculating acceleration will also aid the pitcher in their reaction time because it can be confirmed how much the velocity would be changing as the ball falls to the ground.

 Keywords: velocity, acceleration, position versus time


 

 

 


 

[ Back ]

Advisors :
Arcadii Grinshpan, Mathematics and Statistics
James Anderson, Computer Science & Engineering
Suggested By :
James Anderson