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Modeling Scenario

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3-095-ShotInWater-ModelingScenario

Author(s): Kurt Bryan

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute IN USA

Keywords: projectile motion terminal velocity projectile water resistance reduction of order friction air resistance

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Abstract

Resource Image This project uses Newton's Second Law of Motion in conjunction with a quadratic model for the resistance experienced by a bullet moving through water to analyze a classic action movie scene.

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Article Context

Resource Type
Differential Equation Type
Technique
Qualitative Analysis
Application Area
Course
Course Level
Lesson Length
Technology
Approach
Skills
Key Scientific Process Skills
Assessment Type
Vision and Change Core Competencies - Ability
Principles of How People Learn
Bloom's Cognitive Level

Description

It's a classic scene from an action movie: our hero is fleeing the bad guys and dives over the side of a boat to escape, then begins to swim away underwater. The villains draw guns and proceed to fire at the hero, but the view beneath the surface shows the bullets slowing dramatically as they enter, quickly rendering them harmless. But is this realistic?

This project uses Newton's Second Law of Motion in conjunction with a quadratic model for the resistance experienced by a bullet moving through water to analyze a classic action movie scene: Do bullets moving through water slow as dramatically as depicted in the movies, so that someone a few feet underwater is safe?

A computer algebra system can be helpful for performing computations, but is not essential.

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Authors

Author(s): Kurt Bryan

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute IN USA

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