Question

Which describes an object in projectile motion? Check all that apply.A.Gravity acts to pull the object downB.The object moves in a straight path.C.The forward velocity of the object is 0 m/s.D.The object’s inertia carries it forward.E.The path of the object is curved.

Answer 1

Answer:

A.Gravity acts to pull the object down

D.The object’s inertia carries it forward.

E.The path of the object is curved.

Explanation:

The motion of a projectile consists of two independent motions:

- A uniform motion along the horizontal direction, with constant horizontal speed

- A vertical motion with constant acceleration of g = 9.8 m/s^2 downward (acceleration due to gravity), due to the presence of the force of gravity, so the vertical velocity changes (increases in the downward direction)

As a result, the combined motion of the projectile has a curved trajectory (parabolic, more specifically). So the following options are correct:

A.Gravity acts to pull the object down --> gravity acts along the vertical direction

D.The object’s inertia carries it forward. --> there are no forces acting along the horizontal direction (if we neglect air resistance), so the horizontal motion continues with constant speed

E.The path of the object is curved