Question

Generally the path of a projectile from the surface of earth is parabolic but it is elliptical for projectiles going to a very great height. Why? ​

Answer 1

Upto ordinary heights, the change in the distance of a projectile from the centre of the earth is negligible compared to the radius of the earth. Hence projectile moves under a nearly uniform gravitational force and its path is parabolic. But for projectiles going to great heights

Answer 2

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◆Upto ordinary heights, the change in the distance of a projectile from the centre of the earth is negligible small, as compared to the radius of the earth. Due to which the projectile moves under a uniform gravitational force and its path is parabolic. But if projectile is going to a very great height, the gravitational force decreases, which is inversely proportional to the square of the distance of the projectile from the centre of the earth. Under such a variable force, the path of projectile is elliptical.