Projectile:
If we study the motion of the particle, we find that the velocity with which the particle was projected. It has two components namely vertical and horizontal. The function of the vertical component is to project the body vertically upwards and that of the horizontal is to move the body horizontally in its direction.
The combined effect of both the components is to move the particle along a parabolic path. A particle moving under the combined effect of vertical and horizontal forces is called a projectile. It may be noted that the vertical component of the motion is always subjected to gravitational acceleration, whereas the horizontal component remains constant.
Important Terms on Projectile:
1. Trajectory: The path traced by a projectile in the space is known as trajectory.
2. Velocity of Projection: The velocity with which a projectile is projected is known as the velocity of projection.
3. Angle of Projection: The angle with the horizontal at which a projectile is projected is known as the angle of projection.
4. Time of Flight: The total time taken by a projectile, to reach maximum height and to return back to the ground is known as the time of flight.
5. Range: The distance between the point of projection and the point where the projectile strikes the ground is known as the range. It may be noted that the range of projectile may be horizontal or inclined.