Projectile Motion
Launching objects at angles to study trajectory
Explore how launch angle and initial velocity affect the trajectory of a projectile. Observe the parabolic path and how different combinations affect range and height!
Launch Angle: 45°
Initial Velocity: 50 m/s
Current Parameters:
Angle: 45°, Initial Velocity: 50 m/s
Observation:
Ready for launch. Adjust the sliders to change the launch parameters.
The Science Behind Projectile Motion
Key Concepts:
Projectile motion is the motion of an object thrown or projected into the air, subject only to acceleration due to gravity:
- Trajectory: The path followed by a projectile is always parabolic
- Horizontal motion: Constant velocity (no acceleration)
- Vertical motion: Accelerated by gravity (9.8 m/s² downward)
- Range: The horizontal distance traveled before hitting the ground
Angle Effects:
For a given initial velocity, the maximum range is achieved at 45°. Angles above and below 45° produce shorter ranges but different maximum heights.
