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In a situation where there is no air resistance, can a projectile be thrown in such a way that its velocity and acceleration vectors are perpendicular to one another at some point along its path?

1) Yes, it is possible
2) No, it is not possible
3) Cannot be determined

User Fandasson
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Yes, it is possible. When a projectile is thrown in such a way that its velocity and acceleration vectors are perpendicular to one another at some point along its path, it means that the projectile is undergoing uniform circular motion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, it is possible.

When a projectile is thrown in such a way that its velocity and acceleration vectors are perpendicular to one another at some point along its path, it means that the projectile is undergoing uniform circular motion. This occurs when the projectile is thrown at an angle of 45 degrees above the horizontal. At this angle, the horizontal and vertical components of the velocity and acceleration vectors are equal in magnitude but perpendicular to each other.

For example, if you throw a ball at an angle of 45 degrees above the horizontal, the velocity vector will be directed at 45 degrees above the horizontal, and the acceleration vector will be directed downwards due to gravity. At the highest point of the projectile's trajectory, the velocity vector will be horizontal, and the acceleration vector will be vertical, thus making them perpendicular to each other.

User Evren Kutar
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