If we throw a ball with initial velocity v0, is there a force?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

In projectile motion, when a ball is thrown with an initial velocity v0, there is no force acting in the x direction, as the horizontal component of velocity (v0x) remains constant throughout the flight. This is due to the absence of horizontal acceleration when ignoring air resistance. The only force present is in the y direction, attributed to gravity, which affects the vertical motion of the ball. Thus, mathematically, the force in the x direction is zero, confirming that the ball's horizontal motion is uniform.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic concepts of projectile motion
  • Knowledge of vector components in physics
  • Familiarity with gravitational force calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Newton's first law of motion
  • Explore the equations of motion for projectile trajectories
  • Learn about the effects of air resistance on projectile motion
  • Investigate the mathematical modeling of forces in two dimensions
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of projectile motion and the forces acting on objects in motion.

annamal
Messages
393
Reaction score
33
If we throw a ball with initial velocity v0, and the ball progresses in a projectile motion, ignoring air resistance, will there be a force in the x direction? If so, what is that force in the x direction's value mathematically? I know there is a force in the y direction due to gravity.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No force exists in the x direction, as the value of v0x remains the same during the flight (no acceleration).
 
annamal said:
If we throw a ball with initial velocity v0, and the ball progresses in a projectile motion, ignoring air resistance, will there be a force in the x direction? If so, what is that force in the x direction's value mathematically?
More critically, what would be the direction of such a force?
 
annamal said:
If we throw a ball with initial velocity v0
That's not much of a "throw". You are just releasing the ball, which will fall straight down.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
18K