Chapter 7, Problem 12RQ

With no gravity, a horizontally moving projectile follows a straight-line path. With gravity, how far below the straight-line path does it fall compared with the distance of free fall?

To determine

The distance below the straight-line path as compared to the distance of free fall.

Answer to Problem 12RQ

The distance covered by the projectile with the effect of gravity will be the same as the distance covered by a straight-line path.

Explanation of Solution

Projectile motion is a type of motion followed by an object when projected at a certain angle. The object follows a parabolic path due to the effect of gravity. In the absence of gravity, the projected body continues to move in a straight-line. The body will cover an equal distance in equal interval of time.

In the presence of gravity, the body will start moving in a downward direction, making a curved path. Every point on the curved track is below the corresponding point on the straight-line path. The object falling in the presence of gravity will travel the same distance in an equal interval of time, as it would have been, if the projectile would have fallen from the state of rest from the same point on a straight-line path, in the absence of gravity.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the distance covered by the projectile with the effect of gravity will be the same as the distance covered by a straight-line path.