Projectile Motion Calculator
Range
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Max Height
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Time of Flight
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Impact Speed
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Projectile Motion Physics
Horizontal: vx = v*cos(theta) constant. Vertical: vy = v*sin(theta) decreases at 9.81 m/s^2.
Max range at 45 degrees on flat ground. Max height = vy^2/(2g). Time = 2vy/g on flat ground.
Real projectiles have air resistance reducing range 20-60%. This calculator gives ideal trajectories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best angle for range?
45 degrees without air resistance. With drag, optimal is lower (30-40 degrees).
Air resistance?
Requires numerical simulation. Drag = (1/2)*Cd*rho*A*v^2. No analytical solution.
Does mass matter?
In vacuum, no. With air resistance, heavier objects are less affected by drag.
Trajectory equation?
y = x*tan(theta) - g*x^2/(2*v^2*cos^2(theta)) + h0.