A projectile is characterized by which type of motion?

A projectile is best characterized by curvilinear motion. When an object is projected into the air, it follows a path called a trajectory, which is typically a parabola. This trajectory occurs due to the combination of horizontal motion (which is constant) and vertical motion (which is influenced by gravity).

In projectile motion, the horizontal component of the motion remains constant when air resistance is negligible, while the vertical component accelerates downwards at a rate of approximately (9.81 , \text{m/s}^2). This combination results in a distinctive curved path rather than simple linear, vertical, or sideways motion.

Understanding that projectiles follow a curvilinear path is essential because it allows for the use of specific kinematic equations to predict where a projectile will land, at what height it will reach, and how long it will stay in the air.