Projectile motion is the motion of an object through the air, under the influence of gravity. It follows a parabolic path due to the downward force of gravity.
Some common difficulties in understanding projectile motion include understanding the concept of acceleration and how it affects the motion of the object, understanding the relationship between initial velocity, angle of launch, and range, and understanding the difference between horizontal and vertical components of motion.
One way to overcome difficulties in understanding projectile motion is to practice solving problems and understanding the equations that govern the motion. Visualization and drawing diagrams can also help in understanding the concepts.
Projectile motion has many real-life applications including sports such as basketball, baseball, and golf, launching objects into space, and designing roller coasters and other amusement park rides.
The main difference between projectile motion and uniform circular motion is that in projectile motion, the object is only under the influence of gravity, while in uniform circular motion, there is also a centripetal force acting on the object to keep it moving in a circular path.