SQA National 5 Physics Practice Exam

In projectile motion, the nature of horizontal velocity is that it remains constant. This is because, in the absence of air resistance (a common assumption in basic physics problems), there are no external horizontal forces acting on the projectile after it has been launched.

When an object is projected, it is influenced by gravity, which acts vertically downward, but this force does not affect the horizontal component of its velocity. As a result, the horizontal speed does not change over time; it remains uniform throughout the motion. This is a fundamental concept in understanding projectile motion, where the two components of motion (horizontal and vertical) can be analyzed separately.

In contrast, some other choices suggest variability or changes in horizontal velocity, which do not align with the principles of ideal projectile motion. Thus, recognizing the constancy of horizontal velocity is crucial for solving problems related to projectile trajectories.