Physics: What is Projectile Motion

Projectile Motion

Definition

Projectile Motion is a type of motion in which a particle or an object under the influence of gravity only, when is in flight through the atmosphere. It is not being propelled by any other source or any fuel. It is studied under the 2-dimensional type of motion.

  • The path followed is called trajectory.

Types of Projectile Motion

  • Horizontal Projectile- If projected horizontally with a certain velocity at a certain height.
  • Oblique Projectile- If projected with a certain angle with horizontal.

Motions that Influences the Projectile Motion

  • Horizontal Motion
  • Vertical Motion

Note- Both are independent of each other.

Read Also- Differentiation Notes

Formula Used:

  • θ is with Horizontal
  • t = Time
  • x = Distance
  • g = Gravity
  • v = Velocity
  • h= Maximum Vertical Height

Horizontal Projectile

  • Time of Flight

T= (√(2h/g))

  • Horizontal Range (R)

R = v×  (√(2h/g))

in other words Distance = velocity×time

Oblique Projectile

  • Horizontal Motion Path

t = x/v cosθ

  • Vertical Motion Path

y = x tanθ – (gx²/2v² cos²θ)

  • Maximum Height

H = v² sin²θ/2g

if the angle (θ) is with vertical; change sin θ  to cos θ

  • Horizontal Range (R)

R = v² sin2θ/g

if the angle (θ) is with vertical then there will be no change

  • Maximum Horizontal Range

R = v²/g

at sin2θ = 1 or θ = 45 degree

  • Time of Flight (T)

T = 2v sinθ/g

if the angle (θ) is with vertical; change sin θ  to cos θ

Read More: Convection Heat Transfer Process

Two Angles of Projection for Same Range

R = v² sin2θ/g ———–     (1)

R = v² sin(180 – 2θ)/g——(2)

Equate (1) & (2), and Solve

Read More: Indefinite Integration Formulas

Read More: Polynomials: Definitions, Types, Factorization

1 thought on “Physics: What is Projectile Motion”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top