Chapter 5, Problem 27A

How is the horizontal component of velocity for a projectile affected by the vertical component?

To determine

To explain: The effect on horizontal component of velocity for projectile due to vertical component.

Answer to Problem 27A

Horizontal component of velocity of projectile will not be affected by the vertical component.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Projectile motion is the motion in a plane with constant acceleration. During motion velocity of the projectile is changing continuously. Velocity of the projectile is divided into the two components namely component along x-axis and component along y-axis.The component along the x-axis is termed as horizontal component and the component along the y-axis is termed as vertical component.

A projectile follows a curved path while moving. For simplicity, a velocity vector is resolved into two perpendicular components as shown below.

  

The two perpendicular components are independent of each other. This means, if vertical component of velocity is changed then there will be no change in horizontal component of velocity but there will be change in the resultant velocity. Combined effect of these two components will produce different type of curves that a projectile will follow.

Conclusion:

Therefore, horizontal component of velocity of projectile will not be affected by the vertical component.