Firework Vectors

A firework is a great example of vectors because it shows and measures the quantity and magnitude of the work. In one ariel firework alone, there are many physics relationships between the amount of velocities, their trajectories, and this unit’s vectors. Pyrotechnicians use formulas such as the Pythagorean Theorem, Trigonometric Functions, and graphs to determine the relationship between the initial velocity and the distance traveled, the height, and angle that these shells explode. This helps to maintain a safe environment and helps to create a wonderful  choreographed show. 

Acceleration through windsurfing

On the east side of Oahu, Kailua beach is a popular spot for wind surfers to go to due to the high wind velocity. The other weekend, I watched these windsurfers and while doing so, I observed them doing their tricks on the water and in the air. It seemed to be that each surfer executed their best trick when they were going at a high velocity or while their acceleration was at it's highest.

Accelerating Pull-Ups

In the video above, my brother demonstrates acceleration through a pull up. While hanging from a bar, he lets gravity pull his entire weight 9.8 m/s2 down. At the start of a pull up, he uses his strength to accelerate upward until his chin is above the bar. As he gets closer and closer to the top of the bar, his acceleration from start to finish would resemble an upside down parabola shape in a v/t or a velocity versus time graph. Speed and acceleration is how this world functions and without it, I don’t know what it would have turned out to be. 

Kinematics

The average American spends 21 hours a week driving in the car making that about 1,095 hours in an entire year. Velocity or speed is everywhere. It helps us travel to different places whether it is walking, jogging, running, or driving in a car. In physics, there are different formulas to measure and determine the trajectory of an object. In this picture my dog, KJ, demonstrates this. As he holds a yellow bucket in his mouth he increases from rest, to a slight jog, then to a vigorous run across the yard. At rest his speed and acceleration is zero and when as he increases his velocity to a slight jog and run, so does his acceleration.