Projectile Motion Fundamentals

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Projectile motion trajectory illustration

📚 Part 1: Key Concepts

1. Which of the following best defines a projectile?

Any object that moves in a straight line

An object launched into the air and subject only to gravity

A rocket with continuous thrust

An object moving at constant velocity

2. In projectile motion, the horizontal component of velocity:

Increases due to gravity

Decreases due to gravity

Remains constant (ignoring air resistance)

Changes direction continuously

3. The acceleration due to gravity in Australia is approximately:

9.8 m/s² downward

9.8 m/s² upward

10 m/s² horizontal

Zero

4. Which factors affect the range of a projectile? (Select all that apply)

Initial velocity

Launch angle

Mass of the projectile

Acceleration due to gravity

✏️ Part 2: Understanding Motion Components

5. Complete the following statement:

In projectile motion, the horizontal and vertical components of motion are _____________ of each other.

6. Draw and label a trajectory showing:

Include: launch point, maximum height, landing point, and direction of gravity

7. Explain why a projectile follows a curved path rather than a straight line:

8. A ball is thrown horizontally from a cliff. Describe what happens to its:

a) Horizontal velocity: _________________________________

b) Vertical velocity: ___________________________________

🔢 Part 3: Mathematical Applications

9. For projectile motion, write the equations for:

a) Horizontal displacement: x = _______________

b) Vertical displacement: y = _______________

10. A cricket ball is hit at an angle of 30° with an initial velocity of 20 m/s. Calculate:

a) Initial horizontal velocity component: __________ m/s

b) Initial vertical velocity component: __________ m/s

Show your working above

11. Extension: At what angle should a projectile be launched to achieve maximum range? Explain your reasoning:

Projectile Motion Fundamentals

Projectile Motion Fundamentals

📚 Part 1: Key Concepts

✏️ Part 2: Understanding Motion Components

🔢 Part 3: Mathematical Applications

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