If you shoot a projectile out of a cannon at different angles (other than vertical), several factors come into play, including the initial speed, angle of projection, and the effects of gravity. Let's explore how these variables affect the motion of the projectile:
Speed of the projectile: The initial speed of the projectile would determine its velocity at any given moment during its flight. If the initial speed remains constant, it will not change unless influenced by external forces (such as air resistance).
Angle of projection: The angle at which the projectile is launched affects its trajectory. When launched at an angle, the projectile has two components of motion: horizontal and vertical. The horizontal component remains constant, while the vertical component is influenced by gravity.
Path and range: The path of the projectile will be a curved trajectory known as a parabola. The range of the projectile, which is the horizontal distance it travels before hitting the ground, will vary depending on the launch angle. The maximum range is achieved when the projectile is launched at an angle of 45 degrees (assuming ideal conditions with no air resistance).
Landing point: The landing point of the projectile will depend on the launch angle. For angles less than 45 degrees, the landing point will be closer to the cannon. As the launch angle approaches 90 degrees (shooting straight up), the projectile will land near the cannon. Similarly, as the launch angle approaches 0 degrees (shooting horizontally), the projectile will hit the ground closer to the cannon.
Maximum height: The launch angle also affects the maximum height reached by the projectile. The maximum height is achieved when the projectile is launched vertically (90 degrees).
It's important to note that these considerations assume ideal conditions, neglecting factors like air resistance, variations in gravitational acceleration, and other real-world complexities. In reality, these factors can influence the actual motion of the projectile.