Projectile motion refers to the motion of an object that is launched into the air and is subjected to the force of gravity and possibly other forces, such as air resistance. The object follows a curved trajectory, which is typically a parabola, due to the combination of its initial velocity and the acceleration due to gravity acting downward.
Key characteristics of projectile motion include:
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Initial Velocity: The motion begins with an initial velocity, which can be broken down into horizontal and vertical components.
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Gravity: The only force acting on the projectile (after it is launched) is gravity (assuming air resistance is negligible). This constant acceleration (approximately \(9.81 , \text{m/s}^2\) downward) affects the vertical motion of the projectile.
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Horizontal Motion: In the absence of air resistance, horizontal motion occurs at a constant velocity, as there are no horizontal forces acting on the projectile after launch.
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Vertical Motion: The vertical motion is affected by gravity, causing the object to accelerate downward. The vertical position of the projectile changes according to the equations of kinematics.
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Max Height: The projectile will reach a maximum height at the peak of its trajectory, after which it will descend back to the ground.
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Range: The horizontal distance traveled by the projectile is called the range, which depends on the initial launch angle and speed.
In summary, projectile motion can be analyzed using the principles of classical mechanics, and it is characterized by a combination of horizontal motion at constant velocity and vertical motion with constant acceleration due to gravity.
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