Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P14


You use a long rubber band to launch a paper wad straight up. Draw a complete motion diagram of the paper wad from the moment you release the stretched rubber band until the paper wad reaches its highest point.


Solution:

Model

Represent the wad of paper as a particle. Ignore air resistance.

Answer to Problem 1.14 Physics for Scientists and Engineers Third Edition by Randall Knight

Visualize

The dots become more closely spaced because the particle experiences a downward acceleration. The distance between dots changes by a constant amount because the acceleration is constant.