Projectile motion involves the study of how a particle moves under the influence of gravity. When considering the motion of a particle in 2D, the vertical and horizontal components are independent of each other, and therefore the calculations for vertical and horizontal movement can be considered separately.
Horizontal projection
When considering the movement of a particle projected horizontally, consider the horizontal and vertical motion separately. Assume air resistance is zero and ignore any rotational effects of the particle.
Horizontal motion
There is no acceleration in the horizontal direction as the only acceleration is vertical, (acceleration due to gravity). Therefore, the horizontal component of a projectile is considered to have constant velocity. The equation s=vt is used.
Vertical motion
When projected horizontally, the initial vertical component of the velocity is 0m.s−1. Acceleration due to gravity is 9.8m.s−2, and so the formulae for constant acceleration can be used in the vertical direction.
Equations
description
equation
Horizontal motion is modelled as having
constant velocity (a=0).
s=vt
Vertical motion is modelled as having
constant acceleration due to gravity,
so the constant acceleration formulae can be used.
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Unit 1
Equations of motion
Unit 2
Projectile motion
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Unit 3
Horizontal projection
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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
How do you work with projectile motion in 2D?
When considering the motion of a particle in 2D, the vertical and horizontal components are independent of each other, and therefore the calculations for vertical and horizontal movement can be considered separately.
Does the horizontal speed change during projectile motion?
There is no acceleration in the horizontal direction as the only acceleration is vertical, (acceleration due to gravity). Therefore, the horizontal component of a projectile is considered to have constant velocity.
What is projectile motion?
Projectile motion involves the study of how a particle moves under the influence of gravity.