Motion analysis of kinetic impact projectiles for physics education in real context

Abstract

The article presents a proposal to contextualize the study of movement in introductory courses of university physics, as a contribution to decision making in social situations. For this, the use of kinetic impact projectiles and the actual data provided by official sources are considered. This information is used in an object motion model describing the kinematic characteristics of a spherical projectile (a rubber bullet). For these purposes, a Reynolds number Re ≫ 1 was used, which allows one to apply a nonlinear motion equation to find the velocity and impact energy per unit area of a projectile. The results and analysis of this model can generate an interesting discussion in the classroom about the need to build protocols for the use of kinetic impact projectiles, and the importance of using scientific knowledge in social conflicts.

Teaching physics in real-life contexts: the Beirut explosion

“…When faced with a problematic situation, a person needs to make decisions in order to advance towards a goal without knowing the path [7]. However, it is common for traditional physics classes to pose problems in ideal contexts, where the connections between concepts, formal representations and reality are practically non-existent [8]. Furthermore, these activities are generally oriented to the application of a specific content or to the calculation of certain variables, which requires the use of a single physical principle or an established procedure for their resolution [9].…”