Projectile Motion Quiz

Trajectories

• Projectile motion follows a parabolic path, which is a curved trajectory.
• The trajectory is symmetrical about the vertical line passing through the maximum height.
• The shape of the trajectory depends on the initial velocity and angle of projection.

Initial Velocity

• Initial velocity is the velocity at which the projectile is projected.
• It is a vector quantity, having both magnitude and direction.
• The initial velocity can be resolved into horizontal and vertical components:
  • Horizontal component: V₀cosθ
  • Vertical component: V₀sinθ

Air Resistance

• Air resistance is a force that opposes the motion of the projectile.
• It depends on the shape, size, and velocity of the projectile, as well as the density of the air.
• Air resistance can be neglected for small, compact projectiles moving at moderate velocities.

Range and Maximum Height

• Range: The horizontal distance from the point of projection to the point where the projectile lands.
• Maximum height: The highest point reached by the projectile above the point of projection.
• Range (R) can be calculated using the formula: R = (V₀²sin2θ) / g
• Maximum height (H) can be calculated using the formula: H = (V₀²sin²θ) / (2g)

Angle of Projection

• The angle of projection is the angle at which the projectile is launched.
• It affects the range and maximum height of the projectile.
• The angle of projection can be optimized to achieve the maximum range:
  • For maximum range, the angle of projection is 45°.
  • For angles less than 45°, the range increases as the angle increases.
  • For angles greater than 45°, the range decreases as the angle increases.