Which one of the following is not an example of projectile?a)A bullet ...
A projectile is any object thrown into space upon which the only acting force is gravity. A bullet fired from a gun, a kicked football, and a javelin thrown by an athlete are examples of projectiles once they are in motion and only gravity acts on them. Taking off of an aircraft is not a projectile because it involves continuous external force from the engines.
Which one of the following is not an example of projectile?a)A bullet ...
Understanding Projectiles
In physics, a projectile is an object that is thrown into the air with an initial velocity and is primarily influenced by the force of gravity and air resistance. To better understand why option 'C' (Taking off of an aircraft) is not a projectile, let's break down the examples.
Examples of Projectiles
- A bullet fired from a gun: Once fired, the bullet travels through the air under the influence of gravity and air resistance, making it a classic example of a projectile.
- A kicked football: When a football is kicked, it follows a curved trajectory due to the forces acting on it, including gravity, making it a projectile as well.
- A javelin thrown by an athlete: The javelin, once released, travels through the air in a parabolic path, demonstrating the characteristics of a projectile.
Why is Taking Off of an Aircraft Not a Projectile?
- Initial Lift-Off: When an aircraft takes off, it generates lift through its wings, which counteracts gravity. This lift is produced by the thrust from the engines, unlike projectiles that rely solely on their initial velocity and gravity.
- Controlled Flight: An aircraft is actively controlled during takeoff and flight, which means it is not simply following a path determined by gravity and air resistance. Instead, it relies on aerodynamic principles and engine thrust.
- Continuous Force Application: Projectiles do not have any forces acting on them after they are launched, except for gravity and air resistance. In contrast, aircraft are powered and maintained in the air by continuous engine thrust and aerodynamic lift.
In conclusion, while bullets, kicked footballs, and javelins follow the characteristics of projectiles, aircraft rely on lift and thrust, distinguishing them from true projectiles.