Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Kinematics (Motion in 1D)

Vertical projectile motion
Equations of motion
Graphs of motion

On October 14, 2012, Felix Baumgartner’s successful (4 minute 18 second) sky dive from an altitude
of nearly 40 km enabled him to exceed the speed of sound. His initial acceleration (9,8 m.s-2)
decreased significantly as his speed approached 350 m.s-1 (1260 km.h-1).

NAME:

TEACHER:

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1. Vertical projectile motion (up and down)

1.1 Gravitational force (Fg)

The earth exerts a gravitational force (Fg) of attraction on all objects that have mass. This
force is also known as the weight of the object. The gravitational force is directed towards the
centre of the Earth.

The gravitational force (Fg) exerted on object of mass m is calculated using: Fg = m.g

Where Fg is the gravitational force measured in N.

m is the mass of the object in kg.
g is the gravitational acceleration of the object in m.s-2.

1.2 Friction in the atmosphere

Suppose a ball is dropped near the surface of the Earth. The ball will experience a gravitational
force (Fg) towards the Earth as shown in figure 1.1.
Friction Ff

As the object moves towards the ground through the air it

will collide will gas molecules in the air. The ball will
therefore experience air resistance. This frictional force
(Ff) acts in the opposite direction to its motion, as shown in
figure 1.1.

If the ball was projected upwards, the frictional force would

act in the opposite direction to its motion as shown in Gravitational force Fg
figure 1.2.
Fig. 1.1 The forces acting on a ball
dropped near the surface of the
Earth.
Friction Ff

Gravitational force Fg

Fig. 1.2 The forces acting on a ball moving

away from the surface of the Earth.

1.3 Free fall

A free falling object is an object that is moving under the sole influence of the Earth’s
gravitational force.
In other words:
An object is in a state of free fall when the only force acting on it is the gravitational force.

This means that:

1. Free falling objects do not experience air resistance (frictional force).
2. All free-falling objects (near the surface of the Earth) accelerate downwards at 9,8 m.s-2.

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.4 Acceleration due to gravity (g)

Remember that acceleration is defined as the rate of change

∆𝒗
of velocity: 𝒂 = ∆𝑡

The acceleration of any mass, near the surface of the earth,

is 9,8 m.s-2. In other words, the velocity of the free-falling
object will change by 9,8 m.s-1 during every second of its
motion.

Worked Example 1.1

Suppose a ball is dropped from the edge Time Velocity
Direction
of a very high cliff. Complete the table t (s) v (m.s-1)
alongside of the instantaneous velocity of
the ball at each second of its fall. 0

Worked Example 1.2

Suppose a ball was thrown vertically upwards at 25 m.s-1.
Complete the table below of the instantaneous velocity of the ball at each second of its motion.

Time Velocity
Direction
t (s) v (m.s-1)
0

The symbol for the acceleration due to gravity is g.

Acceleration is a vector quantity; therefore, we need to specify the direction of this
acceleration.

If a ball is thrown upwards and is in a state of free fall, its velocity upwards will decrease until it
stops for an instant when reaching its maximum height. The direction of the acceleration is
DOWN!
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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

The ball will then fall towards the earth, with increasing velocity downwards. The direction of
the acceleration is DOWN! The direction of the acceleration due to gravity (g) is ALWAYS
DOWN! (Towards the Earth)

In 1589, the Italian scientist Galileo dropped two balls of

different masses from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to
demonstrate that objects of different mass fell with the same
acceleration.

If an object is in a state of free-fall, the acceleration

of that object (g) does not depend on the mass of
the object. In other words, the acceleration due to
gravity (g) is independent of the mass of the object
moving in the Earth’s gravitational field.

Fig. 1.3 Two objects of different

mass both experience the same
acceleration.

Once you have been introduced to Newton’s laws, we will derive the following equation which is
GM
used to calculate the acceleration due to gravity on Earth: g = r2
Where G is a constant, M is the mass of planet Earth and r is the radius of Earth.

Figure 1.4 shows an object of mass m Object of mass m

in a state of free-fall near the surface (in free-fall near the
of the Earth. surface of the Earth)
Notice that the equation for the
acceleration due to gravity (g) does
not depend on the mass of the object
(m). Earth, mass M
GM
g = r2
Radius of Earth
r

Fig. 1.4 An object of mass m in free-fall near the

surface of the Earth.

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 Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray
Friction Ff
1.5 Terminal velocity

In reality, all objects moving through the Earth’s

atmosphere will experience friction (air resistance) as
shown in figure 1.5.

A sky diver will accelerate towards the Earth. As the he

falls faster through the atmosphere, the frictional force
acting upwards on him will increase. The frictional force
will increase until it is equal in magnitude to the
gravitational force acting on him. Gravitational force Fg
Fig. 1.5 Terminal velocity is reached
When this happens, the sky diver will no longer
when the magnitudes of the frictional
accelerate.
He will fall at constant velocity towards the Earth. force and gravitational force are equal.
This constant velocity is known as terminal velocity.
Free-falling objects will never reach terminal velocity.

For the purposes of this chapter, we will ignore the effects of friction and assume that all
projectiles are in a state of free-fall and will therefore accelerate towards the Earth at 9,8 m.s-2.

1.6 Vertical projectile motion (in one dimension)

Suppose an object is projected vertically upwards at 30 m.s-1 as shown in figure 1.6.

Up is chosen as the positive direction.

Maximum height reached 𝒗𝒊 = 0

𝒗𝒇 = 0
from point of launch
Decreasing Increasing
velocity velocity
upwards downwards

Upward Downward
Acceleration is path Acceleration is
path
downwards downwards
a = –9,8 m.s-2 a = –9,8 m.s-2

𝒗𝒊 = +30 m.s-1 𝒗𝒇 = −30 m.s-1

Point of upward Return to
launch point of
launch

Fig. 1.6 An object is projected vertically

upwards, reaching its maximum height before
returning to the point of release.

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

The motion of the object can be divided into 2 parts:

The upward path:

The initial velocity is a maximum value (e.g. 𝒗𝒊 = 30 m.s-1 𝑢𝑝 = +30 m.s-1 )
Velocity is decreasing by 9,8 m.s-1 every second.
Acceleration (a = 9.8 m.s-2 down)
The ball comes to rest at its highest point (𝒗𝒇 = 0).
The acceleration of the ball at its highest point is still 9,8 m.s-2 downwards.

The downward path:

The initial velocity is zero (𝒗𝒊 = 0)
Velocity is increasing by 9,8 m.s-1 every second.
Acceleration (a = 9.8 m.s-2 down)
The ball reaches its maximum velocity when it returns to the point of launch
(e.g. 𝒗𝒇 = 30 m.s-1 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 = −30 m.s-1 ).

Remember:
1. The velocity upwards (at launch) is equal to velocity downwards (when returning to point of
launch).
2. The time taken to reach its maximum height is equal to the time taken to fall back to its
point of launch (time up = time down).

1.7 Equations of motion (Vertical motion)

We have already introduced the following physical quantities:

Physical Vector /
Symbol S.I. Unit
quantity Scalar
vi initial velocity m.s-1 Vector
vf final velocity m.s-1 Vector
a acceleration m.s-2 Vector
Δx displacement m Vector
Δt time interval s Scalar

The following equations of motion are used to solve problems involving vertical motion in a
straight line with constant acceleration:

𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 + 𝑎∆𝑡 𝑣𝑓 2 = 𝑣𝑖 2 + 2𝑎∆𝑥

1 𝑣𝑖 +𝑣𝑓
∆𝑥 = 𝑣𝑖 ∆𝑡 + 2 𝑎∆𝑡 2 ∆𝑥 = ( ) ∆𝑡
2

The equations of motion will appear on the Physical Science Data Sheet.

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 Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

Worked example 1.1

Figure 1.7 shows a ball projected vertically upwards at 50 m.s-1 from point A. It reaches is
maximum height at point B before returning to point A. Fill in the missing quantities in figure 1.7
by answering the questions that follow.

Up is chosen as the positive direction:

t3 = ____: Δx = ____________ vf = _______ B

t2 = 3s: Δx = ___________ vf = t4 = ____: Δx = ___________ vf =

_____________ _____________

t1 = 0: Δx = 0 vi = +50 m.s-1 A t5 = ____: Δx = ___________ vf =

____________
Fig. 1.7 A ball is projected vertically upwards from point A at 50 m.s-1, reaching it maximum
height at point B before returning to point A.

1.1 Calculate the velocity of the ball after 3 s.

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1.2 Calculate the position of the ball after 3 s.

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1.3 What is the velocity of the ball at its highest point (B)?

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1.4 What is the acceleration of the ball at its highest point (B)?

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.5 Calculate the time taken to reach its highest point (B).

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1.6 How long does it take the ball to return to point A?

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1.7 Calculate the maximum height reached by the ball (above point A).

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1.8 Determine time t4.

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1.9 State the displacement and velocity of the ball at time t4.

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1.10 Find the position of the ball after 3,5 s.

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1.11 At what time(s) will the ball be 80m above the ground?

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1.12 What is the velocity of the ball when it returns to point A?

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1.13 Complete the following table:

Δt (s) v (m.s-1) Direction Δx (m) a (m.s-2) Direction

0
3
5,1
7,2
10,2

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

Exercise 1.1

1.1 Chuck is riding the Giant Drop at Great America. If Chuck free falls from rest, what will his
velocity be after 2,6 s?

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1.2 How far will Chuck fall in this time?

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2. A kangaroo is capable of jumping to a height of 2,62 m. Determine the take-off speed of

the kangaroo.

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3.1 If Michael Jordan has a vertical leap of 1,29 m, then what is his take-off speed?

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3.2 Determine his hang time (total time to move upwards to the maximum height and then
return to the ground)?

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4. A cricket ball is hit straight up into the air and is in the air for 6,25 s. Determine the
maximum height to which the ball rises.

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5. The observation deck of tall skyscraper is 370 m above the street. Determine the time
required for a coin to free fall (from rest) from the deck to the street below.

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

6. A stone is dropped into a deep well and the splash is heard 3,41 s after being dropped.
Determine the depth of the well.

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7. A hot air balloon is rising at a constant speed of 10 m.s-1. At a height of 400 m above the
ground a person in the balloon drops a stone from the balloon.

7.1 Calculate the final velocity that the stone will reach when it hits the ground.

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7.2 Calculate the time it takes for the stone to reach the ground.

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8. An object A is projected upwards from the ground with a speed of 20 m.s-1. At the same
time an identical object B is released 30 m above the ground. Ignore air friction.
8.1 How long will the two objects take to pass each other?

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8.2 At what height above the ground will they pass each other?

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9. During a training exercise an officer leans out a window and shoots up an alarm device
with a velocity of 7 m.s-1. The window is 28, 8 m above the ground and the alarm device
should go off after 25 s. Ignore air resistance.

9.1 Calculate the maximum height above the ground that the device will reach.

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

9.2 The velocity with which the device strikes the ground.

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9.3 How long after the device reaches the ground will the alarm go off?

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10. A feather is dropped on the moon from a height of 2 m. The acceleration of gravity on the
moon is 1,67 m.s-2. Determine the time taken for the feather to fall to the surface of the
moon.

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Answers
Exercise 1.1
1.1 vf = 25,48 m.s-1 down 1.2 Δx = 33,12 m 2. vi = 7,14 m.s-1
3.1 vi = 5,03 m.s-1 3.2 Δt = 1,03 s 4. Δx = 47,85 m
5. Δt = 8,69 s 6. Δx = 56,98 m 7.1 vf = 89,11 m.s-1 down
7.2 Δt = 10,11 s 8.1 Δt = 1,5 s 8.2 height = 18,98 m
9.1 height = 31,3 m 9.2 vf = 24,77 m.s-1 down 9.3 Δt = 21,76 s
10. Δt = 1,55 s

Exercise 1.2

1. A hammer falls off a scaffold at a height of 60 m above the ground. Calculate:

1.1 the velocity of the hammer after falling for 2 s.

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1.2 the magnitude of its velocity when it hits the ground.

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1.3 the time taken to fall to the ground.

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

2. A cricket ball is thrown vertically upward and returns to the thrower’s hand 3 s later.
Calculate:
2.1 the velocity with which the ball left the thrower’s hand.

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2.2 the height reached by the ball (above the point of release).

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2.3 the velocity with which the ball returned to the thrower’s hand.

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3. An object is projected vertically upward from ground level. An observer at a height of

135 m notes that exactly 3 s pass between the object passing him on its way up and
reaching its highest point. Ignore the effects of air resistance. Calculate:

3.1 the velocity of the object at a height of 135 m.

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3.2 the velocity at which the object was projected.

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4. A boy standing on a tower 60 m high, throws a stone vertically downward. The stone
leaves his hand at 5 m.s–1. Ignore the effects of air resistance. Calculate how long it will
take the stone to reach the ground.

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

5. A ball is thrown upward from the roof of a building. The ball leaves the person’s hand at
20 m.s–1 and strikes the ground at 30 m.s–1. Ignore the effects of air resistance.
Calculate:

5.1 the height that the ball was thrown from.

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5.2 the time it takes to reach the ground.

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6. A person throws a ball upward from the roof of a 15 m high building. The ball leaves the
person’s hand at 12 m.s–1. Ignore the effects of air resistance.
Calculate:

6.1 the velocity with which the ball hits the ground.

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6.2 the time it takes to reach the ground.

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7. A stone is thrown vertically downward from a cliff. The stone moves through a distance of
1 m while in the thrower’s hand and leaves the thrower’s hand at 8 m.s-1.

7.1 What is the acceleration of the stone while in the thrower’s hand?

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7.2 What is the acceleration of the stone after it leaves the thrower’s hand?

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

7.3 After leaving his hand, how long will it take the stone to reach the ground which is 48 m
below where it left his hand?

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8. A rocket is launched vertically upward from the ground. Its engine accelerates the rocket
for 10 s from launch until it reaches a velocity of 250 m.s-1. After 10 s, the rocket engine is
switched off.
8.1 What is the acceleration of the rocket during the first 10 s?

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8.2 What is the acceleration after 10 s?

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8.3 Calculate the maximum height reached by the rocket.

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9. A sandbag is dropped from a hot air balloon, which is rising at a constant velocity of
5 m.s–1. The sand bag strikes the ground after 5 seconds.
Calculate:

9.1 the velocity with which the sand bag strikes the ground.

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9.2 how far above the ground the balloon was when the sand bag was released.

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

10. A hot air balloon is moving downward with a velocity of 2 m.s–1. A girl inside the balloon
throws a ball upward at 5 m.s–1 relative to the balloon. Ignore the effects of air resistance.
If the ball is 35 m above the ground when thrown upward, calculate the time taken for the
ball to reach the ground.

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Answers
Exercise 1.2
1.1 vf = 19,6 m.s-1 down 1.2 vf = 34,29 m.s-1 1.3 Δt = 3,5 s
2.1 vi = 14,7 m.s-1 up 2.2 height = 11,03 m 2.3 vf = 14,7 m.s-1 down
3.1 vi = 29,4 m.s-1 up 3.2 vi = 59,25 m.s-1 up 4. Δt = 4,05 s
5.1 height = 25,51 m 5.2 Δt = 5,1 s 6.1 vf = 20,93 m.s-1 down
6.2 Δt = 3,36 s 7.1 a = 32 m.s-2 down 7.2 a = 9,8 m.s-2 down
7.3 Δt = 2,42 s 8.1 a = 25 m.s-2 up 8.2 a = 9,8 m.s-2 down
8.3 height = 4438,78 m 9.1 vf = 44 m.s-1 down 9.2 height = 97,5 m
10. Δt = 3 s

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.7 Graphs of vertical projectile motion (in one dimension)

In grade 10 we covered 4 rules that should be remembered when dealing with graphs of
motion.
The 3 rules are given below:

RULE 1: The gradient of a position (x) versus time (t) graph is equal to velocity (v).
RULE 2: The gradient of a velocity (v) versus time (t) graph is equal to acceleration (a).
RULE 3: The area under a velocity (v) versus time (t) graph is equal to displacement (∆x).
RULE 4: The area under an acceleration (a) versus time (t) graph is equal to the change in
velocity (∆v).

When graphing vertical projectile motion, we are simply graphing free-fall!

Free-fall is simply constant acceleration towards the earth.

Worked Example 1.2

A ball is projected upwards (as shown in figure 1.8): + –
1.2.1 Draw a position (x) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball
from the time it was released to the time it returned to his hand.
x=0
Step 1: Choose a reference position
The point of release is chosen as x = 0

Step 2: Make a choice of direction

Up is positive
Fig 1.8
RULE 1: The gradient of a position (x) versus time (t) graph is equal to velocity (v).

The ball leaves his hand with a maximum positive velocity: Gradient is positive +

On the way up, its upward (positive) velocity decreases to zero: Positive gradient
decreases to zero

x (m)

0
t (s)
On the way down, its velocity changes direction (becomes negative).
On the way down, its downward (negative) velocity increases: Negative gradient
increases

x (m)

16
0
t (s)
 Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.2.2 Draw a velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the time it was
released to the time it returned to his hand.

RULE 2: The gradient of a velocity (v) versus time (t) graph is equal to acceleration (a).

The acceleration due to gravity is 9,8 m.s-2 towards the Earth.

The acceleration of the ball is always constant and always downwards.

Up was chosen as the positive direction.

This means the gradient must be constant and negative.
–

On the way up, its upward (positive) velocity decreases to zero:

v (m.s-1) Maximum positive velocity at point of release.

+
Velocity of the
Constant negative gradient = constant negative acceleration.
ball is positive
and decreasing.
Ball has reached its maximum height, velocity is
zero.
0
t (s)

On the way down, its downward (negative) velocity increases:

v (m.s-1)
+

Ball has reached its maximum height, velocity is

zero.
0 t (s)
Velocity of the
ball is now Constant negative gradient.
negative and
increasing.
– Maximum negative velocity
when the ball returns to point of
release.

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

Another important note:

When the ball returns to it point of release, its displacement is zero.

RULE 3: The area under a velocity (v) versus time (t) graph is equal to displacement (∆x).

+ This shaded area represents the upward (positive)

displacement of the ball from its point of release to its
v (m.s-1) highest point.

Ball has reached its maximum height.

0 t (s)

This shaded area represents the

downward (negative) displacement
of the ball from its highest point to its
– point of release.

The displacement (Δx) of the ball is zero when it returns to its point of release. This means
these two shaded areas should add to zero.

Another important note:

The time taken to reach its maximum height is equal to the time taken to fall back to its point of
release (time up = time down).

v (m.s-1)
+

Time down

0 t (s)
Time up

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.2.3 Draw an acceleration (a) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the time it
was released to the time it returned to his hand.

The acceleration due to gravity is 9,8 m.s-2 towards the Earth.

The acceleration of the ball is always constant and always downwards.
In this case downwards was chosen as the negative direction.

a (m.s-2)

t (s)
0

–9,8

Constant negative acceleration

1.2.4 Go back to figure 1.8 on page 15. Suppose you chose downwards as the positive
direction.

(a) Draw the position (x) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball.

(b) Draw a velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball.

(c) Draw an acceleration (a) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball.

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

Worked Example 1.3

In figure 1.9, a ball is dropped from the edge of a cliff and takes 3 s to strike x=0
the ground below.

1.3.1 Calculate the height of the cliff.

Step 1: Choose a reference position

+
The point of release is chosen as x = 0

Step 2: Make a choice of direction

Down is positive
vi = 0
vf = ?
a = +9,8 m.s-2
Δx = ?
Δt = 3 s
Fig 1.9
1
∆𝑥 = 𝑣𝑖 ∆𝑡 + 𝑎∆𝑡 2
2
1
∆𝑥 = 0 + (+9,8)(3)2
2
∆𝑥 = +44,1 = 44,1 m below his hand

height = 44,1 m

1.3.2 Calculate the velocity with which the ball strikes the ground.

𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 + 𝑎∆𝑡
𝑣𝑓 = 0 + (+9,8)(3) = +29,4 = 29,4 m.s-1 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛

1.3.3 Draw the position (x) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the time it was
released to the time it made contact with the ground.

RULE 1: The gradient of a position (x) versus time (t) graph is equal to velocity (v).

Velocity is zero at point of release: Gradient is zero

Velocity is then positive and increasing: Gradient is positive and increasing

+44,1

x (m)

0 3
t (s)

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.3.4 Draw a velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the time it was
released to the time it made contact with the ground.

RULE 2: The gradient of a velocity (v) versus time (t) graph is equal to acceleration (a).

The acceleration of the ball is always constant and always downwards.

Down was chosen as the positive direction.

This means the gradient must be constant and positive.
+

+ 29,4

v (m.s-1)

0 t (s)
3

1.3.5 Use your velocity (v) versus time (t) graph to show that the displacement of the ball is
44,1 m below his hand at 3 s.

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1.3.6 Use your velocity (v) versus time (t) graph to show that the acceleration of the ball is
9,8 m.s-2 down.

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Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

The ball strikes the ground and bounces upwards, leaving the ground
with a velocity of 20,5 m.s-1. The ball is in contact with the ground for x=0
0,1 s.
The ball reaches its maximum height after the bounce and then falls
back to the ground.

1.3.7 How long does it take the ball to reach its maximum height after the
first bounce?

vi = –20,5 m.s-1 𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 + 𝑎∆𝑡

vf = 0 0 = (−20,5) + (+9,8)∆𝑡
a = +9,8 m.s-2 ∆𝑡 = 2,1 𝑠
Δx = ?
– 20,5 m.s-1
Δt = ?

1.3.8 Draw the velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the
time it was released to the time it hit the ground for a second time. Include
any relevant velocity and time values.
+ 29,4 m.s-1

The velocity (v) versus

+ 29,4
time (t) graph for the
first 3 s:
v (m.s-1)

0 t (s)
3
While the ball is in contact with the ground:
The velocity of the ball will change rapidly from 29,4 m.s-1 down to 20,5 m.s-1 up during the
0,1 s time interval. This is shown in the graph below.

+ 29,4 A downward velocity

(towards the ground)
v (m.s-1)

3,1 t (s)
0 3
The 0,1 s time interval in which
the ball is in contact with the
ground.

– 20,5 An upward velocity (away from

the ground) 22
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

Leaving the ground after the first bounce:

The ball is moving upwards, and its negative velocity is decreasing to zero.
Constant positive acceleration = constant positive gradient.

+ 29,4
It takes a further 2,1 s to reach its
v (m.s-1) maximum height after first bounce.

3,1 5,2 t (s)

0 3

Gradient = constant positive

acceleration

– 20,5 An upward velocity (away from

the ground)

Returning to the ground:

The ball is moving downwards, and its positive velocity is increasing.
Constant positive acceleration = constant positive gradient.
Time up = time down.

+ 29,4
+ 20,5 Ball returns to the
ground with maximum
v (m.s-1) Constant
positive velocity.
positive
acceleration

3,1 t (s)
0 3 5,2 7,3

It takes a further 2,1 s to return

to the ground.
– 20,5

23
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.3.9 Calculate the displacement of the ball when it reaches it maximum height after the first
bounce.

RULE 3: The area under a velocity (v) versus time (t) graph is equal to displacement (∆x).

+ 29,4
+ 20,5
v (m.s-1)

3,1 t (s)
0 3 5,2 7,3

– 20,5 x=0

Positive
displacement
This shaded area above the horizontal
axis is equal to the downward
displacement of the ball from the point
of release until it hits the ground
(positive displacement).

This shaded area below the horizontal axis

is equal to the upward displacement of
the ball from the ground to its maximum
height after first bounce (negative x=0
displacement).

𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ

Negative
1 1
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = [ × (3) × (29,4)] − [ × (2,1) × (20,5)] displacement
2 2
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = +44,1 − 21,53 = +22,57 = 22,57 m 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅

24
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.3.10 Draw the position (x) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the time it
was released to the time hit the ground after the first bounce. Include any relevant
position and time values.

In 1.3.3 we drew the position (x) versus time (t) graph for the first 3 s of the motion of the ball:

+44,1

x (m)

0 3
t (s)

RULE 1: The gradient of a position (x) versus time (t) graph is equal to velocity (v).

Before and after contact with the ground:

The velocity of the ball will change rapidly from 29,4 m.s-1 down to 20,5 m.s-1 up

The gradient will therefore change from positive to negative over the 0,1 s time interval.
_
+

Positive gradient = positive velocity

before hitting the ground. Negative gradient = negative
velocity when leaving the ground.

+44,1

x (m)

0 3 3,1 t (s)

25
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

Leaving the ground and moving up to maximum height:

The ball is moving towards the reference position: Position (x) should become less
positive

Upward (negative) velocity is decreasing to zero: Negative gradient must decrease to

zero

Decreasing negative gradient = decreasing negative

velocity

+44,1
Zero gradient = zero
velocity
x (m)

+22,57

0 t (s)
3 3,1 5,2

Position of ball below his hand when it has

reached its maximum height after first
bounce
Returning to the ground:
Increasing (positive) velocity towards the ground: Increasing positive gradient

The ball reaches the

ground for the second
time.

+44,1

x (m)

+22,57 Increasing
positive velocity

0 t (s)
3 3,1 5,2 7,3

26
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.3.11 Re-draw the position (x) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball. This time
use the ground as the reference position. Take down as positive. Include any
relevant position and time values.

Worked Example 1.4

A ball is thrown upwards at 22 m.s-1 from the edge of a 40 m high
building. The ball is released 2 m above the building.

Choose the point of release as the reference position: x=0 x=0

Choose upwards as the positive direction.

1.4.1 Calculate the maximum height reached by the ball above the ground.

____________________________________________________________
40 m
____________________________________________________________

1.4.2 State the position of the ball when it reaches its maximum height.
(Remember, its position is measured relative to the reference position)

____________________________________________________________________________

1.4.3 Calculate the time taken for the ball to return to the point of release.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

1.4.4 State the position of the ball when it strikes the ground.

____________________________________________________________________________

1.4.5 Calculate the velocity of the ball as it strikes the ground for the first time.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

27
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.4.6 Calculate the time taken for the ball to strike the ground.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

The ball strikes the ground and bounces upwards. The ball was in contact with the ground for
0,05 s. The velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball is shown below.

+ 30
v (m.s-1)
+ 22

t2 t5
0 t1 t3 t4 t (s)

– 30
– 36,16

1.4.7 State the velocity of the ball immediately after the bounce.

____________________________________________________________________________

1.4.8 Use your answers from 1.4.3 and 1.4.6 and state the times t1, t2 and t3.

____________________________________________________________________________

1.4.9 Describe the motion of the ball during the time interval t = 0 to t = t2.

____________________________________________________________________________

1.4.10 Determine times t4 and t5.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

28
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.4.11 Use the graph to calculate the position of the ball when it reaches it maximum
height after the bounce.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

1.4.12 Draw the position (x) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the time it
was released to the time hit the ground after the first bounce. Include any relevant
position and time values.

1.4.13 Draw the acceleration (a) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the
time it was released to the time hit the ground after the first bounce.

29
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

Worked Example 1.5

A ball is thrown downwards at 5 m.s-1 from a balcony which is 15 m
above the ground.

Remember to choose a reference position and to make a choice 5 m.s-1

of direction. 15 m

1.5.1 Calculate the velocity with which the ball strikes the ground.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

1.5.2 Calculate the time taken for the ball to reach the ground.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

The ball bounces off the ground below with a velocity of 15 m.s-1. The ball is in contact with the
ground for 0,08 s.

1.5.3 Draw the velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the time it was
released to the time hit the ground after the first bounce. Include any relevant velocity and
time values.

1.5.4 Use your graph to calculate the displacement of the ball when it reaches its maximum
height after the first bounce.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

30
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.5.5 Draw the position (x) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the time it was
released to the time hit the ground after the first bounce. Include any relevant position and
time values.

1.5.6 Draw the acceleration (a) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the time it
was released to the time hit the ground after the first bounce.

Exercise 1.3

1. A boy standing on the edge of a cliff throws a stone vertically into the air
at 25 m.s-1. The stone hits the ground at the base of the cliff 8s later.

1.1 Calculate the time taken to reach its maximum height.

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

1.2 How long does take for the stone to reach his hand again?

_______________________________________________________________

1.3 Calculate the maximum height reached by the stone from its point of release.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

1.4 Calculate the position of the stone after 6s (relative to its point of release).

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

31
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

1.5 What is the position of the stone at 8 s (relative to its point of release), when it collides with
the ground?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

1.6 Calculate the velocity of the stone at the moment it hits the ground below.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

1.7 Draw a position (x) versus time (t) graph for the stone (relative to its point of release).
Include any relevant position and time values on your graph.

1.8 Draw the velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the stone. Include any relevant
velocity and time values.

1.9 Draw the acceleration (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the stone.

32
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

2. A catapult is used to shoot a ball vertically down from the roof of a building, and it strikes
the ground below. The ball is released from the catapult travelling at 30 m.s-1. The ball
takes 1s to hit the ground below and is allowed to bounce twice.

2.1 Calculate the velocity of the ball at the instant it hits the ground below.

____________________________________________________________________________

The ball leaves the ground travelling at 35 m.s-1 after the first bounce. The ball is in contact with
the ground for 0,05 s.

2.2 What height does the ball reach after the first bounce?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2.3 How long does it take for the ball to bounce a second time after the first bounce?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2.4 Draw the velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the moment it is
shot from the catapult until it reaches its maximum height after the first bounce. Include
any relevant velocity and time values.

2.5 Use your graph to calculate the height from which the ball was shot.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2.6 What is the displacement of the ball relative to the catapult when it has reached its highest
point after the first bounce?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

33
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

2.7 Calculate the gradient of the velocity versus time graph during the first second of the
motion. Include the correct units. What quantity does the gradient represent?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2.8 Draw a position (x) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball (relative to its point of
release) from the moment it is shot from the catapult until it reaches its maximum height
after the first bounce. Include any relevant position and time values on your graph.

3. As a hot air balloon is rising vertically upwards with a constant velocity of 6 m.s-1, a
passenger accidently drops her purse from the balloon. It strikes the ground 3 s later.
Neglect air resistance.

3.1 Calculate the velocity with which the purse strikes the ground.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

3.2 Calculate the height of the balloon above the ground at the time the purse was dropped.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

3.3 Draw the velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the purse from the moment it
was dropped until it strikes the ground. Include any relevant velocity and time values.

34
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

4. A boy leans over a cliff overhanging a river 30 m below. He throws a ball vertically up with
an initial velocity of 5 m.s-1. Ignore air resistance. Calculate:

4.1 the time the ball takes to reach its maximum height.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

4.2 the maximum height which the ball reaches above the river.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

4.3 the velocity with which the ball reaches the water.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

4.4 the total time elapsed from when the ball left the boys hand until it hit the water.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

4.5 Draw the velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from the moment it
was released until it reaches the water. Include any relevant velocity and time values.

35
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

5. A ball is thrown upward from the top of a building. The velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for
the motion of the ball is shown below. The ball strikes the ground 2,3 s after it is projected
upwards.

+ 7,84

v (m.s-1)
0,8 2,3 t (s)
0

– 14,7

5.1 Calculate the maximum height reached above the building.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

5.2 Calculate the height of the building.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

5.3 Calculate the acceleration of the ball.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

5.4 Draw the corresponding position (x) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball. Include
any relevant position and time values.

36
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

5.5 Draw the corresponding acceleration (a) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball.
Include any relevant acceleration and time values.

6. A ball is thrown upward at 25 m.s-1 from the roof

of a building (point A). It hits the ground at point
C. The corresponding position (x) versus time (t)
graph for the motion is shown alongside.

6.1 Calculate the velocity of the ball at C.

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

6.2 Calculate x1 and x2.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

6.3 Draw the velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball from A to C. Include
any relevant velocity and time values.

37
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

6.4 Draw the corresponding acceleration (a) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball.
Include any relevant acceleration and time values.

7. A ball is thrown upward from A and reaches its highest point B. The position (x) versus
time (t) graph for the motion is shown alongside.

Without using equations of motion, calculate the instantaneous velocity of the ball at 0,8 s.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

38
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

8. A ball is dropped from rest and bounces twice before reaching its maximum height after
the second bounce. The velocity (v) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball is
shown below.

+ 8,82
+ 5,88

v (m.s-1)

0,95 2,2 2,6

0 0,9 1,55 2,15 t (s)

– 3,92
– 5,88

8.1 Describe the motion of the ball during the following time intervals:

(a) t = 0 to t = 0,9 s

____________________________________________________________________________

(b) t = 0,95 to t = 2,15 s

____________________________________________________________________________

8.2 Use the graph to determine the position of the ball (relative to its point of release):

(a) when it strikes the ground for the first time.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

(b) when it reaches its maximum height after the first bounce.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

39
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

(c) when it reaches its maximum height after the second bounce.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

8.3 Draw the corresponding position (x) versus time (t) graph for the motion of the ball. Include
any relevant position and time values.

40
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

Answers
Exercise 1.3
1.1 Δt = 2,55 s
1.2 Δt = 5,1 s
1.3 height = 31,89 m
1.4 Δx = 26,4 m below point of release
1.5 Δx = 113,6 m below point of release
1.6 vf = 53,4 m.s-1 down
1.7 Up is positive 1.8 Up is positive
x (m) v(m.s-1)

+31,89 +25

5,1 8 5,1 8
0 t (s) 0 t (s)
2,55 2,55

–25

–113,6 –53,4

1.9
a(m.s-2)

8
0 t (s)

–9,8

+39,8
2.1 vf = 39,8 down m.s-1 2.4 Down is positive v(m.s-1)
+30
2.2 height = 62,5 m
2.3 Δt = 7,14 s 0
1,05 4,62 t (s)
1

2.5 height = 34,9 m –35

2.6 Δx = 27,58 m above catapult
2.7 gradient = 9,8 m.s-2. Gradient represents the acceleration due to gravity.
2.8 Down is positive

+34,9

x (m)

4,62
0 t (s)
1 1,05

–27,58
v(m.s-1)

3.1 vf = 23,4 m.s-1 down 3.3 Up is positive +6

3.2 height = 26,1 m 3

0 t (s)

4.1 Δt = 0,51 s
4.2 height = 31,28 m
–23,4
41
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

4.3 vf = 24,76 m.s-1 down

4.4 Δt = 3,04 s
4.5 Up is positive
v(m.s-1)

+5

3,09
0 t (s)
0,51

–25,26 x (m)

+3,14

5.1 height = 3,14 m 5.4 Up is positive 2,3

0 t (s)
0,8
5.2 height of building = 7,89 m
5.3 a = 9,8 m.s-2 down

5.5
a(m.s-2) –7,89
2,3
0 t (s)

–9,8

6.1 vf = 45,07 m.s-1 down

6.2 x1 = 31,88 m above point of release
x2 = 71,75 m below point of release

6.3 Up is positive 6.4 a(m.s-2)

v(m.s-1) 7,15
0 t (s)
+25 A
–9,8
B 7,15
0 t (s)
2,55

–45,07 C

7. Gradient of tangent = v = 7,14 m.s-1 up

8.1 (a) Uniform acceleration down or,

uniformly increasing velocity while moving down
(b) Uniform acceleration down or,
uniformly decreasing velocity while moving up

42
Kinematics: Vertical projectile motion Mr FC Gray

8.2 (a) x = 3,97 m below point of release

(b) x = 2,21 m below point of release
(c) x = 3,19 m below point of release

8.3 Down is positive

+3,97
+3,19
x (m)

+2,21

0 t (s)
0,9 1,5 2,1 2,6
5 5

43