Forces in 2D and Circular Motion

Big Questions: 

What is a projectile? What is the general path of motion? Why?

Why do things fall? What is the acceleration due to gravity? Do heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects?

A projectile is an object moving in two dimensions in which the only force acting on it is gravity. The path of motion moves back towards the Earth because of the influence of gravity. All objects will fall at the same rate if the air does not act to slow them down (less air resistance).

1. What does it mean to analyze forces in 2D?
2. How do forces cause objects to move in a circle?
3. What does it mean to be in orbit? How do satelittles orbit planets? How do planets orbit the sun?

-Analyzing forces in 2D means to understand the behavior of forces in 2 dimensions, using both x and y coordinates. 

-Centripetal force causes objects to move in a circle. It is a "center-pointing" force in which a net force act towards the center of the circle. Force and velocity are perpendicular and tangent. Ex: The moon's continual orbit of the Earth.

- In regards to orbit, when an object is moving in a circle, it is accelerating. Its speed is not changing, yet, its direction of motion is changing. It also needs to experience an unbalanced force.