Any object that is thrown, fired, or launched into the air and is only affected by gravity and air resistance after it is released is considered a projectile. It travels along a trajectory, which is a curved path.
Common Examples of Projectiles:
A ball thrown by hand
A bullet fired from a gun
A stone launched from a catapult
A rocket (after engine cutoff)
Key Characteristics:
Initial force gives it motion.
Once in the air, gravity pulls it downward.
Air resistance may slow it down.
Its motion can be split into:
Horizontal motion (constant speed)
Vertical motion (accelerated due to gravity)
In Physics:
The study of projectiles is part of kinematics and mechanics. A typical ideal projectile assumes:
No engine or propulsion after launch
No wind or friction (in ideal models)
Gravity is the only force acting vertically
Would you like a diagram or a simple animation of a projectile motion?
