Two projectiles are in flight at the same time. The acceleration of one relative to the other:
Correct answer: D. Is zero
- A. Is always 9.8 m/s2
- B. Can be as large as 19.8 m/s2
- C. Can be horizontal
- D. Is zero
Explanation
The correct answer is that the acceleration of one projectile relative to the other is zero. This is because both projectiles are subject to the same gravitational force, which provides them with an identical acceleration of 9.8 m/s2 downwards. Therefore, when considering one projectile in relation to the other, there is no difference in acceleration-hence, it is zero.Other options suggest incorrect scenarios: 9.8 m/s2 as a relative acceleration is incorrect because it doesn't account for the fact that both projectiles experience this equally, effectively canceling out any relative difference. 19.8 m/s2 is misleading as it suggests a scenario not possible under uniform gravitational influence. Lastly, horizontal acceleration is not applicable as gravity only affects vertical motion.
Last updated
About Projectile Motion
Projectile motion combines uniform horizontal motion with vertically accelerated motion under gravity, assuming air resistance is neglected. Questions use the components of initial velocity to find time of flight, maximum height, horizontal range and position, while distinguishing projectile motion from general circular or one dimensional motion.
Practise Force and Motion
1,416 free Force and Motion MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
Related questions
For a projectile launched from level ground, the maximum range is obtained at a launch angle of
At the highest point of the path of a projectile, its velocity is
A projectile launched at angle theta has its maximum range when theta equals
For a projectile in flight, neglecting air resistance, the horizontal component of velocity
If the horizontal range of a projectile becomes half of its maximum possible horizontal range, the probable angle of projection is: