Mechanics - Motion in a Plane - SS2 Physics Past Questions and Answers - page 3

Projectile motion refers to the motion of an object that is launched into the air and moves along a curved path under the influence of gravity. This concept finds various applications in real-life situations. One such application is in sports, such as throwing a ball or shooting a projectile in sports like baseball or archery. Projectile motion is also crucial in fields like engineering, where the trajectory of a rocket or a missile needs to be accurately determined. Additionally, understanding projectile motion is essential in physics research, as it helps in studying the motion of particles or projectiles in experimental setups.

Centripetal force is the force that acts towards the centre of a circular path, keeping an object moving in uniform circular motion. It has numerous applications in real-life scenarios. One of the prominent applications is in the field of transportation, specifically in vehicles taking turns on curved roads.

The centripetal force provided by friction between the tires and the road enables the vehicle to follow the curved path without sliding or skidding. Another important application is in amusement park rides like roller coasters and Ferris wheels, where centripetal force is responsible for keeping the riders moving in circular paths. Moreover, understanding centripetal force is vital in designing and analysing the behaviour of machines like centrifuges used in laboratories and industrial processes.