Projectiles

A projectile is an object launched so that it travels horizontally as well as up and down. When an object is launched at an angle, it rises and falls under the influence of gravity. Its vertical speed decreases as it rises and then increases as it falls.

Because gravity acts vertically downwards, it does not affect the horizontal motion. The horizontal speed of the projectile remains constant.

The combined vertical and horizontal motions trace out a path called a parabola.