Question

What do the arrows represent in projectile motion when an object is launched why is the vertical arrow longer?

I think they are components but could they also be described as vectors?

Answer 1

You are correct the arrow in projectile motion represent the components of the force in the vertical direction which is the y component of force and the horizontal arrow represents the x component of force. They are also referred to as the vector components of a force. Remember Force is a vector which means it can be broken into vector components.