Physics Topic
Projectile Motion
Study how objects travel through the air under gravity. Horizontal velocity stays constant while vertical velocity changes, producing a curved parabolic path.
Learning Path
Projectile Motion Poster
Visual overview of trajectory equations, launch angles, and key formulas including range, max height, and time of flight.
View Poster →Projectile Motion Calculator
Enter initial velocity, launch angle, and height. Drag the time slider to step through the flight path and see position and velocity at any moment.
Open Calculator →Gravity and Orbits Lab
Set central mass, semi-major axis, and eccentricity to animate elliptical orbits and explore how gravity governs all projectile and orbital motion.
Open Lab →Key Formulas
- Range: R = v₀² sin(2θ) / g
- Max height: H = (v₀ sinθ)² / 2g
- Time of flight: T = 2v₀ sinθ / g
- Horizontal: x = v₀ cosθ · t
- Vertical: y = v₀ sinθ · t - ½gt²
Go Deeper
Advanced Angle Comparisons
Compare how different launch angles affect range, height, and flight time. Covers the 45-degree optimum and why complementary angles produce the same range.
View Advanced Poster →Projectile with Air Resistance
Compare ideal vs real trajectories side by side. RK4 numerical integration computes drag trajectories for baseball, golf ball, cannonball, and more.
Open Tool →