GEN PHYS 1 | Projectile Motion

Projectile Motion

• object has initial velocity

• caused by external force

• travels freely due to gravity while neglecting other external forces (e.g. drag and friction)

• combines horizontal and vertical motion, which are independent of each other

Trajectory

path projectiles take under action of gravity, parabolic in nature

Airtime

time a projectile takes to complete trajectory

Maximum Height

highest vertical displacement

Range

horizontal distance traveled

Horizontal Motion is Projectile Motion

The projectile has constant horizontal velocity as there is no external force acting on it. This means its initial velocity is equal to the final velocity.

Vertical Motion in Projectile Motion

the projectile has constant vertical acceleration as gravity is constantly pulling the object downwards

Projectile Motion Cases

1. Launched horizontally

2. Launched at an Angle

Launched Horizontally Case

vertical component is free-fall motion, with the initial velocity always at 0 m/s as it launches at an angle of 0º

Launched at an Angle Case

vertical component is free-fall motion, with the initial velocity always upwards until it reaches its maximum height