A projectile is a body launched into the air that is then acted on only by weight and air resistance. A shot, a javelin, a football and a long jumper are all projectiles.

If a projectile's release speed doubles while angle and height stay the same, what happens to its horizontal displacement when air resistance is ignored?

The horizontal displacement becomes about four times greater. Horizontal displacement depends on the square of release speed when release and landing heights are equal.

How can a javelin thrower increase the speed of release?

A faster run-up and a long pulling action apply force for longer, increasing the impulse on the javelin. Stronger, faster muscle contractions also raise release speed.

Why does a hammer thrower make several turns before release?

The turns allow force to be applied over a longer path and time, building a greater release speed. A greater release speed produces a greater horizontal displacement.

AQA A-Level Physical Education 7582

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Projectile Motion and Fluid Mechanics

Factors affecting horizontal displacement

3 things to know
Paper 2

Overview

Speed, angle and height of release, the optimum angle for the shot and long jump, the hammer and javelin, and air resistance.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

Define a projectile.

Key term

What are the main factors affecting the horizontal displacement of a projectile?

Key term

Explain how speed of release affects horizontal displacement.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Define a projectile.
Model answer
A projectile is a body launched into the air that is then acted on only by weight and air resistance. A shot, a javelin, a football and a long jumper are all projectiles.
2
What are the main factors affecting the horizontal displacement of a projectile?
Model answer
The main factors are speed of release, angle of release and height of release. Air resistance also affects the distance travelled.
3
Explain how speed of release affects horizontal displacement.
Model answer
A greater speed of release gives a greater horizontal displacement. Speed of release is usually the most important of the three factors.
4
If a projectile's release speed doubles while angle and height stay the same, what happens to its horizontal displacement when air resistance is ignored?
Model answer
The horizontal displacement becomes about four times greater. Horizontal displacement depends on the square of release speed when release and landing heights are equal.
5
How can a javelin thrower increase the speed of release?
Model answer
A faster run-up and a long pulling action apply force for longer, increasing the impulse on the javelin. Stronger, faster muscle contractions also raise release speed.
6
Why does a hammer thrower make several turns before release?
Model answer
The turns allow force to be applied over a longer path and time, building a greater release speed. A greater release speed produces a greater horizontal displacement.

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