Does Launching a Projectile at 45 Degrees Alter Its Initial Velocity?

In summary, the conversation discusses the initial velocity and resultant velocity of a projectile launched at different angles. It is concluded that no matter what angle the projectile is launched at, it will always have an initial velocity of 500m/s, but the horizontal and vertical components may change.
  • #1
tuyop
3
0
If a projectile is launched horizontally, and has initial velocity X, then is launched with the same force from an angle, let's say 45 degrees, would the initial resultant velocity (at time=0) still be X?
 
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  • #2
Let's say you fire something at 0 degrees with a velocity of 500m/s in the horizontal direction. Do you believe it will be traveling at 500m/s in the horizontal direction if you fire the same canon and projectile at 89 degrees?
 
  • #3
Well, that makes my question sound REALLY simple. And no, I think it would go 500m/s at 89 degrees.
 
  • #4
Yes, no matter what angle you fire this projectile, it will always exit that cannon at 500m/s. The only thing that will change is the horizontal and vertical components
 
  • #5
Yeah, that's what I thought. Thank you so much.
 

1. How does the mass of a projectile affect its trajectory?

The mass of a projectile does not affect its trajectory. In a vacuum, all objects fall at the same rate regardless of their mass. However, in the real world, air resistance can play a role in the trajectory of a projectile, with heavier objects experiencing slightly more air resistance. This effect is typically negligible for most projectiles.

2. How does the angle of launch affect the distance a projectile travels?

The angle of launch can greatly affect the distance a projectile travels. The optimal angle for maximum distance is 45 degrees, as this allows for the perfect balance between horizontal and vertical velocity components. Any angle less than or greater than 45 degrees will result in a shorter distance traveled.

3. What is the difference between range and maximum height for a projectile?

Range is the horizontal distance traveled by a projectile from its initial point of launch to its point of impact. Maximum height is the highest point reached by a projectile during its trajectory. These two values are independent of each other and can be affected by the angle of launch, initial velocity, and air resistance.

4. Can a projectile's initial velocity be changed during its flight?

No, a projectile's initial velocity cannot be changed during its flight. The initial velocity is the only force acting on the projectile at the start of its trajectory, and once it is in motion, there are no additional forces acting on it. However, external factors such as air resistance and gravity can affect its velocity and trajectory.

5. How does air resistance affect the trajectory of a projectile?

Air resistance, also known as drag, can affect the trajectory of a projectile by slowing it down and altering its path. As a projectile moves through the air, it experiences a resistance force in the opposite direction of its motion. This force increases as the speed of the projectile increases, causing it to slow down and potentially change its trajectory. The effect of air resistance is more significant for larger and slower projectiles, such as a feather or a parachute, compared to smaller and faster projectiles, such as a bullet or a baseball.

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