Physics Horizontal Projectile Motion

Questions and Answers

The trajectory of a projectile can be described as being in the shape of a?

parabola

While the ball is moving through air upward and rightward along its trajectory, the forces which act upon it are?

the force of Earth's gravity pulling it downward

In which direction does the force of gravity on a projectile act?

downward

The force of gravity always causes a projectile to?

accelerate downward Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are true statements about the horizontal motion of a projectile? (Select all that apply)

There are no horizontal forces acting upon the object. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are true statements about the vertical motion of a projectile? (Select all that apply)

The vertical acceleration is directed downward. Signup and view all the answers

Both balls dropped from rest and launched horizontally from the same height will hit the ground at the same time.

True Signup and view all the answers

The horizontal motion of a projectile affects its vertical motion.

False Signup and view all the answers

A softball is thrown at an angle to the horizontal. As the softball moves upward toward the peak of its trajectory, it __. As the softball falls downward from the peak of its trajectory, it .

slows down, speeds up Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are true statements about the horizontal motion of an angle-launched projectile? (Select all that apply)

The horizontal acceleration is 0 m/s^2. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are true statements about the vertical motion of an angle-launched projectile? (Select all that apply)

The magnitude of vertical acceleration is 9.8 m/s^2. Signup and view all the answers

True statement about the acceleration of a projectile launched at an angle to the horizontal?

The acceleration is always directed downward. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are true statements about a projectile? (Select all that apply)

A projectile is acted upon only by gravity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are true of a projectile at the moment it is at the peak of its trajectory? (Select all that apply)

The horizontal acceleration of the projectile is 0 m/s^2. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Horizontal Projectile Motion

The path of a projectile follows a parabolic trajectory.
During its flight, a projectile is influenced primarily by the force of Earth's gravity, acting downward.
Gravity consistently directs its force downward on all projectiles.
The downward acceleration caused by gravity affects all projectiles at a constant rate.

Horizontal Motion Characteristics

Horizontal motion maintains a constant velocity throughout the projectile's flight.
Horizontal acceleration is zero; thus, no horizontal forces act on the projectile.
An object remains in continuous horizontal motion unless acted upon by an external force.

Vertical Motion Characteristics

As a projectile descends, its vertical speed increases due to gravity.
Vertical velocity is not constant and changes as the projectile moves upward and downward.
The vertical acceleration is constant at approximately 9.8 m/s² directed downward.

Launch Comparisons

Two projectiles, one dropped and one launched horizontally from the same height, will hit the ground simultaneously.
The horizontal motion does not influence how long it takes for a projectile to fall or the nature of its vertical motion.

Insights on Angled Projectiles

An angled projectile will slow down when moving upwards and will then speed up as it descends.
Horizontal velocity remains constant regardless of the vertical motion; the projectile retains the same horizontal velocity at its peak as at launch.
Vertical velocity decreases until the peak is reached and then increases as the projectile falls.

General Projectile Characteristics

A projectile operates under the principle of free fall, solely affected by gravity.
At the apex of its flight, a projectile has no vertical velocity (0 m/s), while horizontal acceleration remains zero.

Description

Test your knowledge on horizontal projectile motion with these flashcards. Each card covers key concepts, definitions, and important forces acting on projectiles. Perfect for students learning about the dynamics of motion in physics.