Deriving Projectile Formulae (AQA A Level Maths: Mechanics)

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Deriving Projectile Formulae

What projectile formulae do I need to be able to derive?

  • In the previous notes the equation of the trajectory of a particle was derived
  • Other equations you need to be able to derive are
    • Error converting from MathML to accessible text.
  • These are derived using the suvat equations
  • Whilst you do not need to memorise every step of the derivations, you should concentrate of the methods used and know how to approach each one
  • There is no worked example with this revision note, instead see if you can use your knowledge of the suvat equations as well as geometrical and algebraic reasoning to derive the above equations before reading on

2-6-2-using-suvat-diagram-1

How do I derive the projectile formulae?

  • A particle is projected with speed U m s-1 at an angle of θ° to the horizontal
  • All of the derivations assume that:
    • the launching and landing site are at the same vertical level
    • the projectile travels over horizontal ground
    • there are no forces acting on the particle other than the force due to gravity

2.6.4 Deriving Projectile Formulae Diagram 1_1, downloadable Edexcel A Level Mechanics revision notes2.6.4 Deriving Projectile Formulae Diagram 1_2, downloadable Edexcel A Level Mechanics revision notes

2-6-4-deriving-projectile-formulae-diagram-2

Examiner Tip

  • Always draw a sketch!
  • The trickiest part about this is the algebra so do not rush these questions as that is when you are more likely to make mistakes.
  • Make sure you can follow the derivations above as they could be asked. After reading through this revision note practice replicating the derivations from memory.

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Dan

Author: Dan

Expertise: Maths

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.