What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object thrown or projected into the air, subject only to gravitational acceleration. The path forms a parabola.

What angle gives maximum range?

45 degrees gives the maximum range for a given initial speed on flat ground with no air resistance. Complementary angles (e.g., 30° and 60°) give the same range.

Does air resistance affect the results?

This calculator assumes no air resistance (vacuum conditions). In reality, drag significantly reduces range and max height, especially at high speeds.

What value of g is used?

The calculator uses g = 9.81 m/s², the standard gravitational acceleration at Earth's surface.

What are the key formulas?

Range: R = v²sin(2θ)/g. Max height: H = v²sin²(θ)/(2g). Flight time: T = 2v·sin(θ)/g. Time to peak: t = v·sin(θ)/g.

SCIScience

Projectile Motion

Calculate projectile range, maximum height, and flight time from initial velocity and launch angle. Assumes flat ground and no air resistance.

Initial Velocity

m/s

Launch Angle

Try an example

Enter values above to see results

How It Works

Formula

R = \frac{v^2 \sin(2\theta)}{g}

H = \frac{v^2 \sin^2(\theta)}{2g}

T = \frac{2 v \sin(\theta)}{g}

t_{peak} = \frac{v \sin(\theta)}{g}

Where

$R$: Horizontal range(m)
$H$: Maximum height(m)
$T$: Total flight time(s)
$t_{peak}$: Time to reach peak(s)
$v$: Initial velocity(m/s)
$\theta$: Launch angle from horizontal(°)
$g$: Gravitational acceleration (9.81)(m/s²)

Enter the initial velocity in m/s and the launch angle in degrees. The calculator computes the horizontal range, maximum height, total flight time, and time to reach peak height using standard projectile motion equations with g = 9.81 m/s².

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Kinetic Energy

Compute KE = 1/2 mv² from mass and velocity

Potential Energy

Compute PE = mgh from mass, gravity, and height

Speed, Distance & Time

Compute speed, distance, or time from two known values

Ohm's Law

Solve for V, I, or R with Ohm's Law

How It Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Ready to Calculate?