What do the terms "yaw" and "pitch" mean in relation to projectile flight?

The correct answer highlights the definitions of yaw and pitch in the context of projectile flight, which are crucial concepts in understanding how a projectile behaves in the air. Yaw refers to the rotation of a projectile around its vertical axis; this means that if you were looking down from above, yaw would describe whether the nose of the projectile is turning left or right.

On the other hand, pitch describes movement around the lateral axis, which involves the elevation of the projectile's nose either up or down. This rotation affects the angle at which the projectile travels through the air and influences its ballistic trajectory.

Understanding the precise definitions of these terms is essential for accurately predicting the flight path of projectiles, as both yaw and pitch play significant roles in factors such as stability, accuracy, and range. Recognizing the correct definitions helps in various applications, whether it be in military contexts, sports, or engineering designs involving ballistics.