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MAKING THE MODERN WORLD
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module:Modelling projectiles

page:Glossary

A
acceleration  
The rate of change of velocity.
air resistance  
A Slowing force between an object and the air it moves through.
algebra  
General expression of mathematics using letters to represent variables and constants.
algebraic  
In the form of algebra.
angle of inclination  
Angle that the initial velocity makes with the horizontal.
B
C
Cartesian equations  
Cartesian equations are named after Rene Descartes, who suggested the method of identifying a point in space in terms of its x,y,z coordinates.
commensurate  
Of a size similar or comparable to the reference.
D
E
F
free fall  
Fall under the influence of gravity, no propulsive force.
G
general forms  
Expressed generally, without specific values.
gyroscope  
Spinning wheel which resists changes in orientation.
H
horizontal displacement  
A change in position in the plane of the horizon.
horizontal motion  
A change in horizontal displacement.
I
impact site  
The point at which an object lands.
inversely proportional  
Decreases as the reference increases.
J
K
L
look-up tables  
Tables of values calculated or recorded for many individual inputs.
M
N
O
P
parabola  
The form of a graph in which the vertical increment changes as the square of the horizontal increment.
parabolic  
Having the shape of a parabola.
parabolic path  
A path which follows a parabola.
parameter  
Input variable or constant.
parametric  
Of parameters.
plane  
A flat surface, points in space corresponding to a flat surface.
point mass  
Mathematical simplification in which all the mass of a body is considered to be at a single point.
projectile  
An object falling under gravity.
proportional  
Increases as the reference increases.
propulsion  
A pushing force.
Q
R
range  
Maximum horizontal displacement.
S
T
trajectory  
Path through space.
U
V
variables  
Changeable inputs.
velocities  
Plural of velocity.
velocity  
Rate of change of an object's position.
vertical displacement  
A change in position in a plane at right angles to the horizon.
vertical motion  
A change in vertical displacement.
W
X
Y
Z

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