Concept featured in film:Projectile Motion

VHS: 20:18-21:45

Play Flickclip Here (Quicktime)

Summary of clip: Otter and Boone are practicing hitting golf balls and discussing their trajectories. Otter is giving Boone advice on his golf swing. The clip depicts a shot going into the cafeteria, another going through a window and into Faber College's Dean Wormer's office, and the final two shots are targeted at Doug Neidermeier who is mounted on his trusty steed.

Connection of flickclip to the concept: This clip may be used to introduce students to the concept of projectile motion.

Suggestions to Teachers:

1. Suggested questions for students when viewing the clip:

a. What forces are acting on the golf ball the instant that it is hit? At the instant the ball reaches maximum height?

b. What are the velocity components on the golf ball at the instant it is hit? At the instant the ball reaches maximum height?

c. What is the shape of the trajectory of the ball?

d. What could Boone and Otter have done to hit the ball higher? What could they have done to hit the ball further? Is there an angle where they could maximize their height and range?

e. What effects does air resistance have on the ball?

f. How do the little dimples in the golf ball affect the air resistance?