Projectile motion is parabolic because the vertical position of the object is influenced only by a constant acceleration, (if constant drag etc. is also assumed) and also because horizontal velocity is generally constant. is quadratic, and therefore describes a parabola.

Do projectiles follow a parabolic path?

When we launch a projectile, it follows a parabolic path. There is a horizontal component and a vertical component to its motion, and they can be studied separately. Horizontally, the projectile simply moves at the initial horizontal velocity (the horizontal component of the initial velocity) until something stops it.

Do projectiles always follow a curved path?

Projectiles follow curved paths that have horizontal and vertical components of motion. Horizontal component of motion is completely independent of the vertical component of motion. ... We find that projectiles move equal horizontal distances in equal time intervals since no acceleration takes place horizontally.