An approach to relative movement through study of the parabolic movement with the use of Tracker

Abstract

This work presents the parabolic movement of a table tennis ball as part of the discussion of relative movement between two reference frames, when one is in a rectilinear and uniform movement in relation to the other. In general, the issues related with relative movement and projectiles launching (parabolic movement) are studied separately in a Physics course, and students are often unaware of the relationships between them. This work aims to discuss the relationship between the relative movement and the parabolic movement of an object through the use of Tracker software, showing the importance of using active methodologies and different pedagogical tools to enhance the learning process to its effectiveness. It is also our goal to motivate future and current Physics teachers to engage students in different ways of approaching topics that can be understood in a more useful and practical way.