Final answer:
In projectile motion, assuming negligible air resistance, horizontal velocity remains constant over time, while vertical acceleration is constant at -9.80 m/s². The x-position increases linearly, and the y-position follows a parabolic path. Graphically, the horizontal velocity is a flat line, and vertical acceleration is constant over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing projectile motion on level ground and assuming negligible air resistance, the position, velocity, and acceleration can be considered in two dimensions: horizontal (x-axis) and vertical (y-axis). The horizontal motion is not affected by gravity and therefore the horizontal velocity (vx) remains constant over time. The vertical motion is affected by gravity, meaning the vertical acceleration (ay) is a constant -9.80 m/s² (downwards).
For the x-components:
- Position (x) increases linearly over time.
- Velocity (vx) remains constant and equal to the initial horizontal velocity.
- Acceleration (ax) is zero since there is no horizontal acceleration in projectile motion.
For the y-components:
- Position (y) follows a parabolic trajectory due to gravitational acceleration.
- Velocity (vy) decreases as the object rises, reaches zero at the peak, and then increases in the negative direction (downwards) during descent.
- Acceleration (ay) is constant at -9.80 m/s² and is always directed downward.
Graphically:
- The graph of the ball's horizontal velocity would be a straight, horizontal line indicating no change over time.
- The graph of the ball's vertical acceleration versus time would be a straight, horizontal line at the value of -9.80 m/s², indicating constant acceleration due to gravity.