Question

The path of one projectile as seen from another projectile is a:
A. Straight Line
B. Parabola
C. Hyperbola
D. Circle

Answer 1

Hint: To get the answer for this question, we need to consider the relative acceleration and velocity of both the projectile, which will affect the flow of the projectile. Also, to get the answer, consider yourself in one projectile and then consider the other projectile relative to you, this will give a better understanding of the solution.

Complete solution:
Acceleration of a projectile motion is constant, which can also be said as it is equal to the acceleration due to gravity, g, towards the earth. Hence, acceleration of both projectile motion is the same and relative acceleration to each other is zero. Since, relative acceleration is zero, relative velocity will be constant and hence, the path of a projectile as seen from another projectile will be a straight line.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option (A).

Additional Information:
Projectile motion is a form of motion that is experienced by an object or particle (a projectile) that is projected near the Earth's surface and that moves along a curved path under the action of gravity only (in particular, the effects of air resistance are assumed to be negligible). This curved path was shown by Galileo to be a parabola, but may also be a straight line in the special case where it is thrown directly upwards. The study of such motions is called ballistics, and such a trajectory is called ballistic trajectory. The only force of significance that acts on the object is gravity, which acts downward, thus imparting the object a downward acceleration. Because of the object's inertia, no external horizontal force is needed to maintain the horizontal velocity component of the object. Taking other forces into account, such as friction from aerodynamic drag or internal propulsion such as in a rocket, requires additional analysis. A ballistic missile is a missile only guided during the relatively brief initial powered phase of flight, and whose subsequent course is governed by the laws of classical mechanics.

Note:
This is a simple question of relative motion, where you just need to consider yourself in one projectile and understand the motion of another projectile relative to the one you are in. Also, when you consider relative acceleration and relative velocity in this case, you will find, it is constant and has not much effect on the relative motion.