Question

Explain the factors affecting projectile trajectory in sports.

Answer 1

The factors affecting the projectile trajectory are as follows:

• Angle of projection
• Projection velocity
• Relative height of projection

Horizontal motion and vertical motion are the two components used to analyse projectile motion. The horizontal and vertical motions of a projectile are examples of perpendicular components of motion that are independent of one another. An item moving horizontally is not subject to any external forces, with the exception of air resistance, which is typically ignored.

A projectile maintains a constant horizontal velocity and travels equal lengths over equal amounts of time because there are no horizontal forces acting on it. As a result, there is no horizontal acceleration. However, the action of gravity lowers the degree of vertical velocity.

The javelin's initial vertical velocity is reduced by the force of gravity until it reaches zero. The apex of the trajectory is represented by a vertical velocity of zero, which indicates that the projectile has reached its maximum height. The effect of gravity causes the projectile's vertical velocity to grow during its downward journey.