Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2009 2009Moderate

A ball is just allowed to fall from the window of a moving train, it will hit the ground following a:

Correct answer: D. parabolic path

  • A. circular path
  • B. hyperbolic path
  • C. straight line path
  • D. parabolic path

Explanation

This option is correct. When a ball is dropped from a moving train, it follows a parabolic path. The ball moves vertically downward due to the force of gravity, while simultaneously moving horizontally with the train's velocity. The combined effect of these motions results in a parabolic trajectory. The ball's path is curved, but it is not a perfect arc because the horizontal and vertical motions are not independent of each other.

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About Projectile Motion

Projectile motion combines uniform horizontal motion with vertically accelerated motion under gravity, assuming air resistance is neglected. Questions use the components of initial velocity to find time of flight, maximum height, horizontal range and position, while distinguishing projectile motion from general circular or one dimensional motion.

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