🏃 Physics Motion Lab

Simulate projectile motion, free fall & circular motion — tweak the parameters, watch the physics.

⚙️ Parameters

Initial Speed 25 m/s

Launch Angle 45°

Gravity 9.8 m/s²

Air Resistance 0%

Max Height

–

metres

Range

–

metres

Flight Time

–

seconds

Impact Speed

–

m/s

⚙️ Parameters

Drop Height 80 m

Initial Velocity 0 m/s

Gravity (planet) 9.8 m/s²

Time to Land

–

seconds

Impact Speed

–

m/s

Max Speed

–

m/s

⬇️ Free Fall

An object in free fall accelerates downward due to gravity with no air resistance. On Earth, every second adds 9.8 m/s to its speed.

y = v₀t + ½gt²

🌕 Gravity Varies

The Moon's gravity is only 1/6 of Earth's. An object dropped from 80m takes ~10 s on Earth but ~31 s on the Moon.

g_moon = 1.62 m/s²

⚡ Terminal Velocity

In real air, drag eventually balances gravity and acceleration stops. Skydivers fall at ~56 m/s (200 km/h) in spread-eagle position.

v_t = √(2mg/ρAC_d)

⚙️ Parameters

Speed 3 m/s

Radius 80 m

Mass 5 kg

Centripetal Force

–

Newtons

Period

–

seconds

Angular Velocity

–

rad/s

What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the curved path of an object launched into the air under gravity alone. The horizontal velocity stays constant while vertical velocity changes due to gravity — creating a parabolic arc.

Why does 45° give maximum range?

At 45°, the horizontal and vertical components of velocity are equal. Steeper angles give more height (more flight time) but less horizontal distance; shallower angles give less time — 45° is the perfect balance.

Key formulas

Range: R = v²·sin(2θ)/g
Max height: H = v²·sin²(θ)/(2g)
Free fall: y = v₀t + ½gt²
Centripetal: F = mv²/r
Period: T = 2πr/v

Key terms

Kinematics — study of motion without regard to forces
Projectile — an object launched and subject only to gravity
Centripetal force — inward force keeping an object in circular motion
Angular velocity (ω) — rate of rotation in radians per second
Period (T) — time for one complete revolution

🎯 Try this challenge

Launch a projectile at 45° and 30 m/s. Now try 60°. Which angle goes farther? Which goes higher? Is there a pattern? (Hint: compare 30° and 60°, then 20° and 70°.)

Continue Learning

Physics Formulas