Tell me more ×
Physics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for active researchers, academics and students of physics. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

Would a projectile fired in space and assuming there were no stars or planets in the way, would the projectile continue on to infinity, since the x-component of the projectile's velocity never changes from it's original?

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Assuming the projectile had enough velocity to escape the gravitational potential of the "projector" (system that fired it). And assuming that space-time is otherwise basically flat.

Then, Yes.

share|improve this answer
So wait, the projectile itself has a gravitational pull? – LordZardeck Nov 3 '11 at 2:42
@LordZardeck: I assumed that the projectile was fired by something else and the two will be gravitationally attracted. – Simon Nov 3 '11 at 3:03
Wow, didn't know that. cool. – LordZardeck Nov 3 '11 at 3:10

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.