Question

Can a projectile follow circular path as in case of circular motion because in projectile also velocity is tangential to the path and acceleration due to gravity as we know acts towards the centre of the earth??

Answer 1

• Only at the highest point of the path of the projectile, the velocity / direction of motion is perpendicular to the acceleration due to gravity. At this point, the direction of velocity is horizontal and direction of acceleration is vertically downward.
• At all the remaining points of the path of the projectile, the velocity is inclined at some angle to the acceleration due to gravity, which is other than right angle.
• Hence, it is not possible for circular motion in the case of projectile.