The parabolic path of a cannonball fired from a mountain top is actually
A)a segment of a circle if firing is horizontally.
B)a segment of an ellipse.
C)a path for escape speed.
D)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a cannonball is fired from a mountain top, it experiences both horizontal and vertical motion due to the force of gravity. The combination of these two motions creates a parabolic path which is a segment of an ellipse. Therefore, choice B is the best choice. The path is not a segment of a circle as stated in choice A, and it is not a path for escape speed as stated in choice C. Choice D is not a valid option as there is an accurate choice available.

The Parabolic Path of a Cannonball Fired from a Mountain