What do the arrows represent in projectile motion when an object is launched why is the vertical arrow longer?
I think they are components but could they also be described as vectors?
You are correct the arrow in projectile motion represent the components of the force in the vertical direction which is the y component of force and the horizontal arrow represents the x component of force. They are also referred to as the vector components of a force. Remember Force is a vector which means it can be broken into vector components.
Indeed, the arrows in projectile motion represent the components or vectors involved in the motion of an object when it is launched. These arrows are commonly referred to as vector arrows.
In the context of projectile motion, the motion of the object can be broken down into horizontal and vertical components. The horizontal component represents the motion of the object in the horizontal direction, while the vertical component represents the motion in the vertical direction.
When an object is launched, its initial velocity has both horizontal and vertical components. The horizontal component remains constant throughout the motion, as there are no horizontal forces acting on the object (assuming ideal conditions without air resistance).
On the other hand, the vertical component of the initial velocity is affected by the force of gravity, causing the object to rise, reach a peak height, and then fall back down. The vertical component is affected by acceleration due to gravity, which is a constant downward force acting on the object. This is why, in most cases, the vertical arrow is longer than the horizontal arrow to depict the vertical component experiencing a greater change due to gravity.
Overall, the horizontal and vertical arrows (or vectors) help in understanding the different components and directions of motion in projectile motion, with the vertical arrow being longer to represent the effect of gravity on the vertical component.