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A projectile is an object upon which the only force acting is gravity. There are a variety of examples of projectiles. An object dropped from rest is a projectile (provided that the influence of air resistance is negligible). An object that is thrown vertically upward is also a projectile (provided that the influence of air resistance is negligible). And an object which is thrown upward at an angle to the horizontal is also a projectile (provided that the influence of air resistance is negligible). By definition, a projectile has a single force that acts upon it - the force of gravity. If there were any other force acting upon an object, then that object would not be a projectile.
A projectile is an object upon which the only force is gravity. Gravity acts to influence the vertical motion of the projectile, thus causing a vertical acceleration. The horizontal motion of the projectile is the result of the tendency of any object in motion to remain in motion at constant velocity. Due to the absence of horizontal forces, a projectile remains in motion with a constant horizontal velocity. Horizontal forces are not required to keep a projectile moving horizontally. The only force acting upon a projectile is gravity!
Thoughtful Projectile Motion Questions
Thoughtful Projectile Motion Questions
1. What force is responsible for pulling a projectile down?
a. friction
b. magnetism
c. gravity
d. wind resistance
(answer c: The ball is pulled downward by gravity.)
2. How is the speed of a projectile determined?
a. Speed is divided by the time.
b. Distance is divided by the time.
c. Time is divided by the distance.
d. Motion is divided by the speed.
(answer b: Speed is distance divided by time.)
3. Which of the following would have the greatest speed?
a. A ball which travels a short distance in a long time.
b. A ball which travels a long distance in a long time.
c. A ball which travels a long distance in a short time.
d. All of these balls will travel at the same speed.
(answer c: Speed is distance divided by time; therefore, a ball traveling a large distance in a short time will have a high speed.)
4. Can you describe a situation that you can demonstrate projectile motion?
(answers will vary. ex: tossing a ball up)
Here is a short video that explains the basics of projectile motion:
Here is a short video that explains the basics of projectile motion:
Use this link for additional information on Projectile Motion
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