IIT JEE , AIEEE Forum - Physics , Mechanics

rohitkuruvila

does the mass of the body have any effect during projectile motion

rooney

rohitkuruvila

but why?

rooney

Because when you consider the various aspects of projectile motion like time period, range , max height... , the mass factor gets cancelled out in the equations. Go through the derivation of these terms.

But if projectile motion is not dependant upon mass, it doesnt mean that in practice, different masses can be given same attributes easily. For example , two masses of 1 Kg and 1000 Kg will have same time period, range, max height if initial vel. and angle of projection are same. But the amount of force required in 2nd case is MUCH larger than in 1st case. So, 1st case would be much easier to implement while second would be painfully hard.But if somehow, 2nd case is implemented, it will have same characteristics as 1st case.

anpm_dev

Remember when gravitation is considered no air resistance or friction due to the air is considered whether u make fall a coin or an elephant from the same height, they r going to reach the ground in the same time theoretically. However it does not happen in reality. It is the air drag that makes the difference.

In the case of projectile all the cases are considered without air friction only. That's why all the exprssion for time period, range come out to be without any term of MASS.

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rooney

@anpm_dev

Air friction is dependent upon Volume of body and not its mass.

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