About The formula for projectile motion
The formula for projectile motion, neglecting air resistance and assuming a flat surface, can be broken down into two separate motions: horizontal motion and vertical motion. The formulas for these two motions are:
Horizontal motion: x = v?x * t
where:
- x is the horizontal displacement or distance traveled by the object
- v?x is the initial horizontal velocity of the object
- t is the time elapsed since the object was released
Vertical motion: y = v?y * t + (1/2)gt^2
where:
- y is the vertical displacement or height of the object above the ground
- v?y is the initial vertical velocity of the object
- g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² near the surface of the Earth)
- t is the time elapsed since the object was released
Combining these two formulas gives the full formula for projectile motion:
x = v?x * t
y = v?y * t + (1/2)gt^2
where:
- x is the horizontal displacement or distance traveled by the object
- y is the vertical displacement or height of the object above the ground
- v?x is the initial horizontal velocity of the object
- v?y is the initial vertical velocity of the object
- g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² near the surface of the Earth)
- t is the time elapsed since the object was released
This formula is valid for objects that are launched at an angle to the ground, neglecting air resistance and assuming a flat surface.