Final answer:
A ball does not go the farthest when thrown almost horizontally; the optimal angle for maximum distance in a vacuum is typically 45 degrees due to the balance of horizontal and vertical velocity components. Horizontal and vertical motions are independent in projectile motion. In reality, air resistance can also affect the distance a ball travels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a ball will go the farthest if thrown almost horizontally is not necessarily true. The optimal angle for a projectile to reach the farthest distance is typically around 45 degrees in the absence of air resistance. This is due to the fact that the horizontal and vertical components of the projectile's velocity contribute to the maximum range at this angle. It's important to note that in reality, factors such as air resistance can affect the optimal angle. However, if we ignore air resistance and assume ideal conditions, the maximum distance is not achieved by throwing the ball almost horizontally but rather at an angle that balances the horizontal and vertical distances traveled.
Studies of projectile motion show that horizontal and vertical motions are independent; this is represented in phenomena where a ball in projectile motion and a ball in free fall descend at the same rate if both are subject to the same gravitational force. The horizontal velocity of a projectile remains constant because it is not affected by gravity, which acts vertically. Thus, even though the ball thrown almost horizontally has a large horizontal component to its velocity, it doesn't necessarily ensure the farthest travel distance compared to a ball thrown at an optimal angle.