Does a Bomb Dropped from a Plane Explode Directly Below It?

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A bomb dropped from a plane flying horizontally will indeed explode directly below the plane due to its initial horizontal speed matching that of the aircraft. This holds true as long as air resistance is negligible, allowing the bomb to maintain its horizontal velocity until impact. If the plane is not flying horizontally, the bomb's trajectory will differ, potentially causing it to land away from the plane's position. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding projectile motion in this context. Overall, the physics of the situation confirms that the bomb's horizontal speed remains constant until it reaches the ground.
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Homework Statement


A bomb is dropped from a plane flying horizontally with uniform speed. Show that the bomb will explode vertically below the plane.

Is the statement true if the plane flies with uniform speed but not horizontally?


Homework Equations


Equations of projectile perhaps


The Attempt at a Solution


Clearly, if I imagine a bomb being thrown from the front of the airplane, then I would think that this statement is relevant, don't have any idea about the consequences when the bomb will be dropped from the wings to which it is usually being attached...

Theory wise, ?
 
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I guess you can safely assume both plane and bomb to be points.
 
Then what about the theory part, I can only imagine those situations- to convert them into paper is somewhat difficult
 
I'm not sure what "theory" you are talking about. The main physics point here is that, initially, the bomb has the same horizontal speed as the plane (or its wings!) and, neglecting air resistance, maintains that horizontal speed until it hites the ground.
 
Got it.
HallsofIvy said:
I'm not sure what "theory" you are talking about. The main physics point here is that, initially, the bomb has the same horizontal speed as the plane (or its wings!) and, neglecting air resistance, maintains that horizontal speed until it hites the ground.
 
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