Projectile motion is the motion of a body projected into air with some initial velocity and then allowed to move under the action of gravity alone.
In projectile motion, air resistance is neglected and acceleration due to gravity acts vertically downward.
The motion of a projectile can be resolved into two independent motions:
If a projectile is thrown with initial velocity u at an angle θ with the horizontal, then:
Horizontal component: ux = u cosθ
Vertical component: uy = u sinθ
The horizontal range of a projectile is maximum when θ = 45°.
Q1. Projectile motion is a type of: A) One-dimensional motion B) Circular motion C) Two-dimensional motion D) Oscillatory motion Answer: C Q2. In projectile motion, the horizontal velocity: A) Increases B) Decreases C) Remains constant D) Becomes zero Answer: C Q3. The path followed by a projectile is: A) Straight line B) Circular C) Elliptical D) Parabolic Answer: D Q4. Which force acts on a projectile during its motion? A) Magnetic force B) Electric force C) Frictional force D) Gravitational force Answer: D Q5. Time of flight of a projectile depends on: A) Horizontal velocity B) Vertical component of velocity C) Mass of projectile D) Shape of projectile Answer: B Q6. Maximum range is obtained when angle of projection is: A) 30° B) 45° C) 60° D) 90° Answer: B Q7. Formula for horizontal range is: A) u² sinθ / g B) u² cosθ / g C) u² sin2θ / g D) 2u sinθ / g Answer: C Q8. At the highest point of projectile motion, the vertical velocity is: A) Maximum B) Minimum C) Zero D) Equal to u Answer: C
Projectile motion is the motion of a body projected into air and moving under gravity alone.
ux = u cosθ
uy = u sinθ
MCQs and numericals are frequently asked on formulae, angle conditions and special cases.
