Projectile Motion Explained

Projectile motion combines independent horizontal motion with vertical free fall. Understanding this split makes predicting range, time of flight, and trajectory straightforward.

Independent horizontal and vertical motion

Once launched, the horizontal velocity stays constant (ignoring air resistance) while gravity accelerates the object downward. Neither motion affects the other.

The parabolic path

Combining constant vx with accelerating vy traces a parabola. Launch angle and initial speed determine the maximum height and horizontal range.

Try it in the lab

Open the projectile simulation, set launch speed and angle, press Play, and read live vx, vy, range, and time of flight as the object moves.