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Projectile Motion

Projectile motion describes the path an object follows when it is launched into the air and influenced only by gravity and air resistance. It involves two components: horizontal motion (constant speed) and vertical motion (accelerating downward due to gravity). The combination creates a curved trajectory called a parabola. Factors affecting this path include initial speed, launch angle, and gravity. For example, when you throw a ball, its arc is a projectile motion. Understanding these principles helps in predicting where the object will land and optimizing launch parameters in sports, engineering, and physics.