What determines the trajectory of a projectile in motion?

The trajectory of a projectile in motion is influenced by several factors, and all of the given options play significant roles in determining its path.

Initial velocity is crucial because it defines the speed and angle at which the projectile is launched. The magnitude and direction of this initial velocity directly impact the height and distance the projectile will travel.

The force of gravity is another key factor. Gravity acts downward, affecting the vertical motion of the projectile. It determines how quickly the projectile will ascend before it begins to descend, influencing the shape of its trajectory, which is typically a parabolic path.

Air resistance, or drag, also affects the projectile's motion. As the projectile moves through the air, it encounters resistance that can slow it down and alter its trajectory. This drag force is influenced by the shape, size, and speed of the projectile.

Since trajectory results from a combination of these elements, it is accurate to say that all of the listed factors—initial velocity, force of gravity, and air resistance—together determine the precise path a projectile takes when in motion. This understanding highlights the complexity of projectile motion and the interplay between different forces at work.