What is a projectile's horizontal motion characterized by?

What is a projectile's horizontal motion characterized by?

• A. Constant acceleration
• B. Uniform velocity
• C. Variable velocity
• D. Negative acceleration

Answer: (B)

A projectile's horizontal motion is characterized by uniform velocity. This is due to the fact that, in the absence of air resistance, there are no horizontal forces acting on the projectile after it has been launched. As a result, the horizontal component of its velocity remains constant throughout its flight. In contrast, the vertical motion of the projectile is influenced by gravity, which causes it to accelerate downward at a rate of approximately 9.81 m/s². This means the vertical velocity is changing during the projectile's trajectory, making the horizontal motion distinctly different, as it does not experience this acceleration. Thus, because the horizontal velocity remains unchanged, it exemplifies uniform velocity, meaning the projectile travels the same horizontal distance in equal time intervals.

A projectile's horizontal motion is characterized by uniform velocity. This is due to the fact that, in the absence of air resistance, there are no horizontal forces acting on the projectile after it has been launched. As a result, the horizontal component of its velocity remains constant throughout its flight.

In contrast, the vertical motion of the projectile is influenced by gravity, which causes it to accelerate downward at a rate of approximately 9.81 m/s². This means the vertical velocity is changing during the projectile's trajectory, making the horizontal motion distinctly different, as it does not experience this acceleration.

Thus, because the horizontal velocity remains unchanged, it exemplifies uniform velocity, meaning the projectile travels the same horizontal distance in equal time intervals.