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Physics question

Why does the horizontal component of a projectile stay the same?
Mark scheme says the acceleration/force/weight is at right angles to horizontal motion / velocity

Can someone explain this?
Reply 1
Original post by Acrux
Why does the horizontal component of a projectile stay the same?
Mark scheme says the acceleration/force/weight is at right angles to horizontal motion / velocity

Can someone explain this?


There is no force acting in that direction. Since a force causes a change in velocity, the velocity in that direction stays the same
Reply 2
Original post by Kyx
There is no force acting in that direction. Since a force causes a change in velocity, the velocity in that direction stays the same


What do they mean at right angle. Does it mean that the force is acting to the right angle of the horizontal force therefore velocity remains constant?
So downwards
(edited 8 years ago)
Reply 3
Original post by Acrux
What do they mean at right angle. Does it mean that the force is acting to the right angle of the horizontal force therefore velocity remains constant?


The force is acting down (weight), which is at a right angle to the horizontal component :smile:

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