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Prove that projectile motion is parabolic class 11

Here we will Prove that projectile motion is parabolic (class 11). To do this we need to derive the Projectile Motion Path Equation (or Projectile trajectory equation) first.

Projectile motion is parabolic – let’s prove this (class 11)

Say an object is thrown with uniform velocity V0 making an angle θ with the horizontal (X) axis.

Prove that projectile motion is parabolic class 11
showing initial velocity V0 and its components along the X and Y axes for a projectile motion (Velocity components when time t =0)

The initial velocity component along the horizontal X-axis = V0x = V0 cosθ
And the initial velocity component along the vertical Y-axis = V0y = V0sinθ.
(Air resistance is taken as negligible)

At time T = 0, there is no displacement along the X and Y axes.

At time T=t, (i.e., for any time instant t)
Displacement along X-axis = x= V0x.t = (V0 cosθ). t ………… (1) and
Displacement along Y-axis = y = (V0sinθ ).t  – (1/2) g t2 …………(2)

From equation 1 we get: t = x/(V0 cosθ) ………….. (3)

Replacing t in equation 2 with the expression of t from equation 3:

y = (V0sinθ ). x/(V0 cosθ)  – (1/2) g  [ x/(V0 cosθ)]2 
or, y = (tanθ) x –   (1/2) g . x2/(V0 cosθ)2………..(4)

In the above equation g, θ, and V0 are constant.

Let’s rewrite equation 4:
y = ax + bx2 where a and b are constants.
This is an equation representing a parabola.

So we can say that the trajectory or motion path of a projectile is a parabola. And, projectile motion is parabolic.
So once thrown at an angle (excluding the right angle) with the horizontal, a projectile will follow a curved path named Parabola.

See also  [pdf notes] Motion in one dimension Grade 10 Notes download (10th Grade) | class 11 physics notes on 1D Motion
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