Mechanics - Projectile Motion

Question 1

projectiles

Answer 1

are generally treated as being in free-fall (i.e. drag is considered negligible).

Question 2

the path of mass

Answer 2

projected perpendicular to a uniform gravitational field is parabolic as the component of the velocity perpendicular to the field remains constant but its parallel component is accelerated by the field. The angle between the force and velocity vectors therefore reduces with motion.

Question 3

vertical and horizontal

Answer 3

components are perpendicular and therefore have no effect on each other (but are linked by the same time value).

Question 4

the vertical

Answer 4

component of motion is uniformly accelerated by gravity (NII), and therefore solved using xuvat.

Question 5

the horizontal

Answer 5

component of motion is unaccelerated (NI), and therefore solved using x = ut.

Question 6

Maximum height

Answer 6

Substitute v = 0 vertically.

Question 7

Maximum range

Answer 7

Substitute x = ± final vertical displacement above or below plane of projection.