Question

For general projectile motion, which of the following best describes the horizontal component of a projectile's acceleration? Assume air resistance is negligible.

-The horizontal component of a projectile's acceleration continually decreases.
-The horizontal component of a projectile's acceleration is zero.
-The horizontal component of a projectile's acceleration remains a nonzero constant.
-The horizontal component of a projectile's acceleration continually decreases.
-The horizontal component of a projectile's acceleration initially decreases and then increases.

Answer 1

the horizontal component of a projectile acceleration is zero

Answer 2

The horizontal component of a projectile's acceleration is zero

Step-by-step explanation:

When calculating all the different components of a projectile (acceleration, initial velocity, final velocity, etc.), you need to break it up into its X and Y directions.

During free fall, the only force acting on the projectile is gravity, and since gravity acts down (in the Y direction), there is no force acting in the X direction. Hence, the acceleration in the X direction is zero.