Projectiles

2D motion under gravity. Horizontal: constant velocity. Vertical: SUVAT with a = −g.

Y13 Mechanics. Treat horizontal and vertical motion independently. Initial velocity at angle α: u_x = u cosα, u_y = u sinα.

Worked examples

Projectile launched at 30 m/s, 60°: range R = u² sin 2α/g ≈ 79.5 m.

Max height: u² sin²α/(2g) ≈ 34.4 m.

Time of flight: 2u sinα/g ≈ 5.30 s.

Frequently asked questions

45° for max range?

Yes — on level ground, ignoring air resistance.

Launched from height?

Solve general SUVAT for vertical, find time when y = 0 (or starting height).