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In support of all the students who are displaced from school due to the Corona virus. Access to physics zone and chemistry zone lessons are now available free of charge. This will be maintained at least through August 1st 2020. Learn and be well.

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Proof of the Archer in the Pickup Truck (a view from the inertial reference frame of the car)

In physics it is usually not safe to accept a computer simulation until after it is tested in reality. This movie is of constant velocity car with a ball bearing cannon that shoots straight up. It is a movie of real life, not a simulation.


[animated gif version]

Notice that from the point of view of the moving car, the ball seems to rise right straight up then back down into the barrel of the gun.  In this demonstration, the horizontal velocity is low enough and the time is small enough that the effects of friction are not noticeable.

Next look at the same demonstration from both the stationary reference frame and the inertial reference frame of the car at the same time.

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