Final answer:
The trajectory of a football throw by a quarterback is affected by the initial velocity, the angle of release, gravity, aerodynamics, air resistance, and spin. While the quarterback's movement can also influence the ball's trajectory, physics calculations can precisely describe these influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trajectory of a football thrown by a quarterback is influenced by several physical factors. One critical element is the initial velocity of the throw, which includes both speed and direction (angle). The angle at which the quarterback launches the ball will determine its arc and how far it goes over the players. Gravity also plays a fundamental role, pulling the football back to the ground and creating a parabolic trajectory. Other factors include the aerodynamics of the ball, air resistance, and spin.
When calculating the outcomes for a pass in football, the quarterback's motion does not significantly alter the ball's momentum due to the significant mass difference between the player and the football. However, if the quarterback is moving, his movement will affect the initial speed and direction of the ball relative to the ground. For example, a quarterback moving backward when throwing must adjust the angle and force of the throw to compensate for their backward motion.
With practice, players learn to make these adjustments naturally. However, physics can precisely describe the ball's trajectory through calculations involving initial velocity, angle of release, gravitational acceleration, and other physical constants.