A projectile follows a parabolic trajectory due to the influence of gravity, which causes it to accelerate downwards. The initial horizontal velocity of the projectile allows it to travel horizontally while falling vertically, resulting in a curved path known as a parabola.
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Factors that determine the distance a projectile will travel include the initial velocity of the projectile, the angle of projection, air resistance, gravity, and the mass and shape of the projectile. Higher initial velocity, lower air resistance, a shallow angle of projection, and a projectile with less mass and streamlined shape tend to result in longer distances.
Yes, the size and shape of a projectile can affect its motion. A larger, more streamlined projectile will typically experience less air resistance and travel further than a smaller, more irregularly shaped one. Additionally, the mass distribution of a projectile can also impact its stability and trajectory during flight.
The acceleration of gravity affects the motion of a projectile. It causes the projectile to accelerate downward, changing its vertical velocity over time, while the horizontal velocity remains constant (assuming no air resistance). This acceleration determines the shape of the projectile's trajectory.
A projectile follows a curved path called a parabola when it is launched horizontally or at an angle in the air. This path is a result of the combination of the projectile's initial velocity and the force of gravity acting on it. The shape of the path may vary depending on the launch angle and velocity of the projectile.
The path of a projectile is a parabola because the force of gravity acts perpendicular to the initial velocity, causing the projectile to follow a curved trajectory. This curved path results from both horizontal and vertical motion, creating a parabolic shape.