As an apple tree is transported by a truck moving left to right with constant ve

Question

As an apple tree is transported by a truck moving left to right with constant velocity, one of its apples shakes loose and falls toward the bed of the truck. What describes the path followed by the apple, as seen by a stationary observer on the ground?

Since the apple, apple tree, and truck are all moving with constant velocity, will the apple appear to move straight down? Or, will it follow a curved path as if falling off the back of the truck? I don't know why this is confusing me, but I can't make up my mind which would be correct. There are no diagrams, or additional information given.

Explanation / Answer

As seen by a stationary observer on the ground, the apple has a initial horizontal velocity given by the truck (because of inertia) when it leaves the truck. Also it, under the gravity, has an downward acceleration, so it will follow a curved (parabolic, to be exact if no air resistance) path, but it doesn't fall off the back of the truck, and touches the truck right below where it fell.

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