Ideal projectile range depends on launch speed, launch angle, and gravity.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Read time
5 min
Prerequisites
Basic algebra, consistent units, and the stated model assumptions
Source
OpenStax, College Physics 2e, §3.4 (Paul Peter Urone and Roger Hinrichs)OpenFormulaGraph equation reference; FormuLab adaptation details and license are provided below.
Adapted from OpenFormulaGraph, under CC BY 4.0.
FormuLab adapted wording, notation, applicability conditions and topic placement, and expanded the numerical check into a worked example.
Ideal projectile range depends on launch speed, launch angle, and gravity. This expression assumes the projectile lands at the same height from which it was launched.
| Symbol | Meaning | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal range | ||
| Initial launch speed | ||
| Launch angle above horizontal | ||
| Acceleration Due to Gravity |
Estimate horizontal range for equal launch and landing heights.
Compare ideal ranges for different speeds and angles.
A projectile launches at 20 m/s and angle π/4 rad above horizontal and lands at its launch height. Find its horizontal range using g = 9.80 m/s².
OpenFormulaGraph equation reference; FormuLab adaptation details and license are provided below.
Adapted from OpenFormulaGraph, under CC BY 4.0.
FormuLab adapted wording, notation, applicability conditions and topic placement, and expanded the numerical check into a worked example.
Assumptions
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