General Science • PhysicsMedium
Why is the path of a projectile near the Earth surface modeled as a parabola in the absence of air resistance?
A. Horizontal velocity changes uniformly while vertical velocity remains constant
B. Horizontal velocity remains constant while vertical acceleration is uniform due to gravity✓ Correct Answer
C. Both horizontal and vertical accelerations vary proportionally with time
D. Total energy of the projectile oscillates between kinetic and thermal forms
💡 Solution & Explanation
A projectile moves with a constant horizontal velocity because no horizontal forces act upon it, while experiencing a constant downward acceleration due to gravity along the vertical axis. This combination of uniform horizontal motion and uniformly accelerated vertical motion produces a symmetrical parabolic trajectory. Air resistance introduces a retarding force that alters this ideal curve.
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