Question Detail
Question
What is the shape of the trajectory (path) followed by a projectile launched at an angle in the absence of air resistance?
Correct Answer
Option D is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
By combining the equations for horizontal motion (x = v₀ cos θ₀ t) and vertical motion (y = v₀ sin θ₀ t - ½gt²), and eliminating time t, we obtain an equation of the form y = (tan θ₀)x - [g/(2v₀² cos² θ₀)]x². This is the equation of a parabola.
Hint
What is the general form of the equation that relates y to x when one motion is constant velocity and the other is constant acceleration?