For a projectile in flight, neglecting air resistance, the horizontal component of velocity
- A. increases steadily
- B. decreases steadily
- C. stays constant, because no horizontal force acts
- D. becomes zero at the highest point
Explanation
Gravity acts vertically only, so the horizontal motion is uniform while the vertical motion is uniformly accelerated, and treating the two independently is the key to every projectile problem. At the highest point the vertical component is zero but the horizontal component is unchanged, so the speed there is not zero. This is why a bomb released from a moving aircraft continues to travel forward with it.
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