The tension of a bow string provides the force which propels arrows long distances. The bow string acts as a spring, with properties which can be analyzed in a method similar to classical physics experiments.
The graph below (Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved), excerpted from the book series Gravity, Springs, & Collisions: Graphs from Classical Physics Experiments from Schottenbauer Publishing, shows an experiment which has physical properties very similar to a pull on a bow string.
Discussion Questions
- What is the maximum force on the spring during each of the 3 pulls?
- In what direction(s) do the wireless device accelerate?
- If a bow string were to possess the same tension as this spring, what would be the resulting acceleration of an arrow with 0.03 kg mass? Calculate the acceleration for each of the maximum forces above.
- How is this experiment similar to the pull on a bow string? How is it different?
Additional graphs similar to those above can be found in the following science lab manuals from Schottenbauer Publishing:
Graphs & Data for Science Lab: Multi-Volume Series
Anthologies of 28 Graphs
Additional Information
What occurs when an arrow is shot or a bullet is fired? If the answer were simple, then everyone would be an accurate shot! It is common for individuals participating in archery and shooting sports to use a sight on their instrument, to guide their aim. In order to understand accuracy better, it is necessary to learn some physics.
The graphs below (Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved), excerpted from the book series The Science of Archery & Shooting Sports from Schottenbauer Publishing, show examples of trajectories from the projectile motion of a foam bullet and a toy arrow.
Discussion Questions
- Describe at least 2 similarities between the graphs.
- Describe at least 2 differences between the graphs.
- What travels higher, the arrow or the bullet? Is this a meaningful comparison?
- What travels further, the arrow or the bullet? Is this a meaningful comparison?
- What is the average velocity of the bullet in the horizontal direction?
- What is the average velocity of the arrow in the horizontal direction?
- What required more force, the trajectory of the arrow or the bullet?
Additional graphs similar to those above can be found in the following science lab manuals from Schottenbauer Publishing:
Graphs & Data for Science Lab: Multi-Volume Series
Anthologies of 28 Graphs
Additional Information
