Projectile Motion Calculator
Calculate max height, range, and flight time for a projectile launched at an angle.
Projectile motion describes the path of an object launched into the air at an angle, influenced only by gravity. It is a classic problem in physics combining horizontal (constant velocity) and vertical (accelerated) motion.
The key equations are: Maximum Height = (v₀ sin θ)² / (2g), Range = v₀² sin(2θ) / g, and Time of Flight = 2v₀ sin θ / g. These assume flat terrain, no air resistance, and launch from ground level.
The maximum range occurs at 45 degrees. Complementary angles (like 30° and 60°) produce the same range but different trajectories. A ball thrown at 30 m/s at 45° travels about 91.8 meters. Air resistance in reality reduces range significantly, especially for light or high-drag objects.