Question

Discuss the various factors affecting trajectory.

Answer 1

The various factors affecting trajectory are- 

• Angle of projection – Initial velocity in all cases was same; distance covered by an object depends on the angle of release of the projectile, best angle to achieve maximum distance is 45 degrees, on 90 degrees the object falls back at its initial position, at 30 and 60 degrees distance covered is less.
• Projection height – If height of the projection and landing surface is equal then release the object at 45 degrees. If level of the landing surface is more than the height of projection, increase the angle i.e. above 45 degrees. If level of the landing surface is less than the height of projection, decrease the angle, i.e., less than 45 degrees. 
• Air resistance – It decreases the horizontal component of a projectile. Air resistance increases due to increased speed of an object, smaller mass, rough surface, larger surface to the volume ratio.