Projectile Motion Simulator
Launch a ball at any angle and speed, watch the parabolic arc, and learn the physics of range, max height, and time of flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is projectile motion?
Projectile motion is the curved path an object follows when thrown or launched near the surface of the Earth. Gravity pulls the object downward while its horizontal speed stays constant.
At what angle does a projectile travel the farthest?
45 degrees gives the maximum range when launching from flat ground. Angles above and below 45° produce the same range as their complement (e.g., 30° and 60° travel the same horizontal distance).
Does air resistance affect projectile motion?
Yes, in real life air resistance slows the object down. This simulator assumes a vacuum (no air resistance) to keep the math clear and focus on the core physics concepts.
What formulas are used?
Horizontal position: x = v₀·cos(θ)·t. Vertical position: y = v₀·sin(θ)·t − ½·g·t². Range = v₀²·sin(2θ)/g. Max height = v₀²·sin²(θ)/(2g).
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