The Path of a Performer on the Moon vs Earth

Question:

Suppose a performer repeated a stunt using a cannon on the moon. Which of the following would best represent the path of the performer?

Final answer:

The path of the performer on the moon would be different from on Earth due to the difference in gravitational force. On the moon, the performer would experience less acceleration and follow a less curved path compared to on Earth.

Explanation:

The Path of the Performer on Earth vs Moon

The path of the performer on the moon would be different from on Earth mainly because of the variation in gravitational force between the two celestial bodies. On Earth, the performer's path when launched from a cannon is influenced by the force of gravity and the initial horizontal velocity. This results in the performer following a parabolic trajectory due to the acceleration experienced.

However, on the moon, where the gravitational force is significantly weaker than on Earth, the performer would undergo less acceleration when launched from the cannon. As a result, the path followed by the performer on the moon would be less curved and more linear in comparison to on Earth.

For instance, if the performer were to be shot horizontally from a cannon on the moon, they would travel in a straighter line for a longer distance than they would on Earth. The reduced acceleration on the moon would lead to an extended time of flight and a flatter trajectory for the performer.

Therefore, the path of the performer on the moon would best be represented as a straighter, flatter trajectory when compared to the more curved path followed on Earth.