Reference: The Physics Classroom Projectile Motion Reference: The Physics Classroom

Projectile An object subject only to the force of gravity The Physics Classroom

Horizontal and vertical components of the projectile’s velocity Hewitt

Recall Newton’s 1st law An object in motion continues to move with the same speed in the same direction… The Physics Classroom

Pull of gravity The force of gravity will accelerate the object downward, affecting its motion vertically. The Physics Classroom

Independence of the two components of motion The horizontal velocity remain constant while the vertical velocity changes as in 1D free fall The Physics Classroom

Symmetrical nature of projectile motion The Physics Classroom

Concept check 1 Supposing a snowmobile is equipped with a flare launcher that is capable of launching a sphere vertically (relative to the snowmobile). If the snowmobile is in motion and launches the flare and maintains a constant horizontal velocity after the launch, then where will the flare land (neglect air resistance)? a. in front of the snowmobile b. behind the snowmobile c. in the snowmobile

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Concept check 2 Suppose a rescue airplane drops a relief package while it is moving with a constant horizontal speed at an elevated height. Assuming that air resistance is negligible, where will the relief package land relative to the plane? a. below the plane and behind it. b. directly below the plane c. below the plane and ahead of it

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