Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Sports — Physical Education STD 12 Commerce — Question

An object thrown into the space either horizontally or at an acute angle under the action of gravity is called a projectile.
Factors Affecting Projectile Trajectory:

1. Angle of Projection: Any object, when projected at different angles as shown in the figure, covers different distances. When it is projected or released at the angle of 30°, making a parabolic path, it covers less distance i.e., AB. When it is projected at the angle of 60°, it covers a distance i.e., AC and when it is released at the angle of 45°, making a parabolic path it covers the maximum distance i.e., AD.

2. Projection Height Relevant to the Landing Surface: If the height of the projection and the landing surface is equal, then release the object at the angle of 45°. If the level of the landing surface is more than the height of projection, increase the angle of projection, which means it should be more than 45°. If the level of landing surface is less than the height of projection, decrease the angle of projection, which means less than 45°. So, the horizontal distance ofan object depends on the relevancy of projection height and landing surface.
3. Initial Velocity: The distance covered by an object depends on the initial velocity of the projectile. If the initial velocity is more, the object covers a maximum distance. On the other hand, if initial velocity is less, the object covers less distance.

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4. Gravity: It is the force of attraction exerted by the earth towards its centre on a body or an object. The greater the weight of an object, the greater the influence of gravity upon it. Gravity affects a projectile as it decreases the height of projectile that one can obtain. The force of gravity acts on the object to stop its upward movement and pulls it back to earth, limiting vertical component of the projectile.
5. Air Resistance: When a projectile moves through the air, it is slowed down by air resistance. Air resistance decreases the horizontal component of a projectile. The effect of air resistance is very small, but it needs to be taken into consideration if you want to increase the horizontal component of a projectile. There are following factors which are related to the amount of air resistance acting on a projectile.

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