Conceptual Question About Simple Motion

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When an object is thrown horizontally off a cliff, its horizontal motion does not affect the time it takes to hit the ground, as gravity acts independently on the vertical motion. Both scenarios, whether the object is dropped or thrown, result in the same vertical acceleration due to gravity. The horizontal component of motion does not influence the downward motion, making the time to fall identical in both cases, assuming no air resistance. If air drag is considered, it could alter the trajectory and time, but the fundamental principle remains that gravity governs the fall. Therefore, the time taken to reach the ground is the same for both actions.
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If an object was thrown horizontally over a cliff, would you expect it to take longer ot hit the ground below than if it was just dropped over? Please explain.

Many thanks.
 
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jayadds said:
If an object was thrown horizontally over a cliff, would you expect it to take longer ot hit the ground below than if it was just dropped over? Please explain.

Many thanks.


What do you think? What affects the time taken to reach the bottom?
 
If we resolve a vector to a 90° component the result is zero. FCos90°=0
Thus orthogonal vector will not effect each other.

In your case the horizontal component(throwing horizontally) will not effect anything what the gravity doing to the object(pulling it down). Both orthogonal to each other.

If your horizontal velocity is very fast it is possible that the object will be in outer space even the dropping height is small.
 
jayadds said:
If an object was thrown horizontally over a cliff, would you expect it to take longer ot hit the ground below than if it was just dropped over? Please explain.

Many thanks.

This situation is very different depending on whether or not you want to take into account air drag. I suggest viewing this without drag.

If you dropped the object off the cliff, what force(s) would be affecting it during its flight?

If you threw the object off the cliff, what force(s) would be affecting it during its flight?
 

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