Contextualization

In this project, we will explore the concept of Oblique Motion, a fundamental topic in Physics that combines Uniformly Accelerated Motion (UAM) and Uniform Motion (UM).

Simply put, oblique motion is the type of motion that occurs when an object is thrown with an initial velocity at an angle to the horizontal plane, following a parabolic trajectory. It is divided into two components: vertical, which is UAM (with gravity acceleration), and horizontal, which is UM (considering negligible air resistance).

Importance of Oblique Motion

The importance of analyzing oblique motion is evident in various areas. For example, in sports, oblique motion is essential to understand the trajectory of a soccer ball being kicked at an angle, a basketball being shot, or a frisbee flying through the air.

Furthermore, oblique motion is essential in engineering for the design and analysis of projectile trajectories in military situations or for the controlled landing of spacecraft. The physics of oblique motion is also useful for computer game designers to animate objects moving in a gravitational field.

The learning situation we will explore in this project is the study of oblique motion from the creation and launch of a water rocket model. This project will also address socio-environmental, political, and economic issues related to the current world's dependence on non-renewable resources, discussing the need to introduce alternatives and new energy technologies.

Activity

Title: Projectile Rocket Oblique Motion

Project Objective

The main objective of the project is to understand and apply the concepts of oblique motion in the launch of a water-powered rocket. Additionally, to gain a perspective on how the dependence on non-renewable energy resources impacts society and the search for more sustainable alternatives.

Project Description

Groups will build a PET bottle rocket powered by water and compressed air and launch it at an angle to analyze the resulting oblique motion. Each group will collect experimental data, analyze and interpret the results, and relate the experience to socio-environmental, political, and economic topics.

Required Materials

1. PET bottle
2. Adhesive vinyl
3. Adhesive tape
4. Bicycle pump or air compressor
5. Water
6. PVC pipes and connectors to build the launch base
7. Landing target (can be a marked zone)
8. Measurement equipment (tape measure, stopwatch)

Step by Step

Step 1: Rocket Construction Each group must build their rocket using the PET bottle, vinyl, and adhesive tape.

Step 2: Launch Base Construction Using PVC pipes and connectors, groups must build the launch base for the rocket.

Step 3: Launch Planning Groups must plan the angle and force of the rocket launch, using the equations of oblique motion to predict the trajectory and landing point.

Step 4: Execution Groups will carry out the launches, recording all necessary data (flight time, distance traveled, maximum height reached).

Step 5: Data Analysis With the collected data, students must perform relevant calculations and graphs.

Step 6: Relating to Energy and Sustainability Groups must reflect on how the dependence on non-renewable energy resources impacts society and the search for more sustainable alternatives, relating these discussions to their water-powered rocket.

This project should be carried out over three weeks, in groups of 3 to 5 students.

Project Deliverables

1. Written Report: Each group must produce a report that includes an introduction contextualizing oblique motion and its importance, a detailed development of the theory, the activity carried out, and the results obtained, a conclusion highlighting the group's learning and the practical applications of the acquired knowledge, and finally, the bibliography used. In addition, the report should explore the relationship between the project and socio-environmental, political, and economic issues. The report must be submitted in digital format, using a text editing software.

2. Oral Presentation: Each group must make an oral presentation explaining the work done, the results obtained, and the relationship with sustainability. The presentation should last a maximum of 10 minutes and should be done in a virtual or face-to-face environment, according to the school's guidelines.

3. Rocket and Launch Base: Groups must deliver the built rocket and launch base.