What is Projectile? Explain the factor affecting projectile trajectory.

Projectile: - An object thrown into space either horizontally or an acute angle under the action under gravity is called a projectile. There are forces which act on a projectile – gravitational force and air resistance. Air resistance of an object varies greatly and it depends on the objects particular shape and the atmospheric conditions in which the object is released. The factor affecting projectile trajectory are mentioned below.

The angle of projection: - An object which is projected at different angles covers different distances. When it is projected or released at an angle of 30, making it a parabolic path and covers lesser distance. When it is projected at 60, it covers a distance of less than 30. When it is released at an angle of 45, makes a parabolic path and covers maximum distance. So the distance cover by an object( shout-put, hammer, javelin, discus etc. depends on the angle of release 0f projectile).

The height of release:- The higher the level of release, the greater distance is covered in flight, this is because the higher projectile is released. The longer it will be in the air. The horizontal component will be acting on the projectile for longer.

The speed of release (initial velocity):- The speed or velocity is directly related to the distance covered in the flight. The speed of the release depends on the initial vertical velocity an initial horizontal velocity. Having higher horizontal velocity will increase the length of the flight and therefore the distance covered. This would be an advantage in sports which requires primarily requires good distances in the long jump, sky jump etc.

Gravity:- Gravity acts on a body or object to give it mass. The greater the weight of an object, the greater the influence of gravity upon it. Gravity will effect a projectile as well as it will decrease the height, the projectile can obtain. For example, a cricket ball can be thrown at a greater distance in comparison to shot put.

Air resistance:- When a projectile moves through the air, it is slow down by an air resistance. Air resistance decreases the horizontal component of the projectile. The effect of air resistance is very small but it needs to be taken into consideration if you want to increase the horizontal component of the projectile. The factors are related to the amount of air resistance acting on a projectile- mass, the surface of the object, the surface of volume ratio.

Spin:- The amount & the direction of spin acting on a projectile will directly effect the distance while travelling.