Science of Archery & Shooting Sports: rotation

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Graphs of Rifle or Bow Position

The position of a rifle or bow is essential to sport shooting, whether with stationary or moving targets. Graphing the position and movement of a rifle or bow provides an interesting activity for classes in physical education, math, and science.

Consider the graph below, excerpted from The Science of Archery & Shooting Sports: Volume 2 from Schottenbauer Publishing.

Discussion Questions

Sketch the position of the gun at the following points: (a) Initial Position, (b) Any Intersecting Lines, (c) Final Position.
How far does the nozzle travel in the x direction? In the y direction?
How far does the butt travel in the x direction? In the y direction?
Describe the shape of motion.
What is the average speed of the nozzle in the x direction? in the y direction?
What is the average speed of the butt in the x direction? in the y direction?
Is this most likely a toy rifle or a toy handgun?

Graphs and data on archery and shooting sports can be found in the following science lab manuals from Schottenbauer Publishing:

Graphs & Data for Science Lab: Multi-Volume Series

The Science of Archery and Shooting Sports