Which of the following is NOT an example of a projectile?

What is projectile?

Snowball rolling downhill is not an example of a projectile.

Projectile Definition

A projectile is any object that is thrown into space upon which the only acting force is gravity. The primary force acting on a projectile is gravity. This doesn't necessarily mean that other forces do not act on it, just that their effect is minimal compared to gravity. A projectile is any object that, once projected or dropped, continues in motion by its own inertia and is influenced only by the downward force of gravity. By definition, a projectile has a single force that acts upon it - the force of gravity. In the case of a snowball rolling downhill, it is not considered a projectile because the primary force acting on it is not just gravity. When a snowball is rolling downhill, it also experiences the force of friction between the snowball and the surface it's rolling on. This additional force from friction plays a significant role in the snowball's motion, making it more than just a simple projectile. Understanding the concept of projectiles is crucial in physics and various real-world applications. Projectiles are key components in the study of motion, trajectory, and forces acting on objects in motion. By recognizing what constitutes a projectile and how it behaves in different scenarios, scientists and engineers can predict and analyze the motion of objects with more accuracy and precision.
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