Projectile Motion

Front

What is projectile motion?

Back

Projectile motion is the motion of an object thrown into the air, subject to the force of gravity, following a curved path called a trajectory.

Front

What are the two components of projectile motion?

Back

The two components are horizontal motion (v_x) and vertical motion (v_y).

Front

What is the effect of gravity on the vertical component of a projectile's motion?

Back

Gravity causes the vertical component (v_y) to change, resulting in acceleration downwards.

Front

What remains constant in the horizontal motion of a projectile?

Back

The horizontal velocity (v_x) remains constant in the absence of air resistance.

Front

At what point in a projectile's flight is its vertical velocity zero?

Back

At the peak of its trajectory, the vertical velocity (v_y) is zero.

Front

What is the acceleration of a projectile in the horizontal direction?

Back

The acceleration in the horizontal direction is zero, assuming no air resistance.

Front

What is the acceleration of a projectile in the vertical direction?

Back

The acceleration in the vertical direction is equal to the acceleration due to gravity, approximately 9.81 m/s² downwards.

Front

If two projectiles are launched at different horizontal speeds, which will hit the ground first?

Back

Both will hit the ground at the same time if launched from the same height, as vertical motion is independent of horizontal motion.

Front

What is the trajectory of a projectile?

Back

The trajectory is the curved path that a projectile follows, typically a parabola.

Front

How does air resistance affect projectile motion?

Back

Air resistance opposes the motion of the projectile, reducing its range and altering its trajectory.