Understanding Projectiles
Author: Pi Date: 2025.07.04
CONTENTS
1. Lesson Objectives 2. Definition of Projectile
3. Explanation and Concept of 4. Examples of Projectiles
Projectiles
5. Types of Projectile Motion 6. Illustrative Examples
7. Application in Warfare 8. Summary
01
Lesson Objectives
Goals of the Lesson
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
• Define a projectile and describe its motion in detail.
• Identify real-life examples of projectile motion in various contexts.
• Derive and apply relevant formulas for calculating range, maximum height, and time of flight for
projectiles.
• Solve practical problems involving projectile motion with confidence.
• Understand how the principles of projectile motion apply in warfare or military targeting scenarios.
02
Definition of Projectile
What is a Projectile?
A projectile is defined as an object or body that is This motion occurs without any further propulsion,
launched into the air and allowed to move freely making the study of projectiles a fundamental
under the influence of gravity only. aspect of physics.
03
Explanation and Concept of
Projectiles
Explanation and Concept of Projectiles
Motion Characteristics
• Projectile motion is characterized by two dimensions:
• Horizontal motion with constant velocity, as no force acts in the horizontal direction.
• Vertical motion with uniform acceleration due to gravity, typically approximated as ( g = 9.8 , \
text{m/s}^2 ) or rounded to ( 10 , \text{m/s}^2 ).
Trajectory of a Projectile
• The path or trajectory of a projectile is shaped like a parabola, illustrating the distinct motion
characteristics.
04
Examples of Projectiles
Examples of Projectiles
1 2 3 4 5
A football kicked A bullet fired A ball rebounding A stone released A missile or
into the air. from a gun. from a wall. from a catapult. bomb dropped
from an aircraft.
05
Types of Projectile Motion
Types of Projectile Motion
Horizontal Projection from a Height
• A ball is thrown horizontally from the top of a cliff of height ( h ) with velocity ( U ).
• Horizontal motion: constant velocity.
• Vertical motion: free fall with acceleration due to gravity.
Equations Used
• Time to reach ground:
• ( h = \frac{1}{2} g t^2 )
• Thus, ( t = \sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}} )
• Vertical velocity upon hitting the ground:
• ( v_y = g t )
• Horizontal range (distance from foot):
•(R=Ut)
Oblique (Angled) Projection from the Ground
• A body is projected at an angle ( \theta ) to the horizontal with velocity ( U ).
06
Illustrative Examples
Example 1: Horizontal Projection
A ball is projected horizontally from a 50 m high cliff with velocity ( 10 , \text{m/s} ).
• a. Time to reach ground:
• ( h = \frac{1}{2} g t^2 )
• ( 50 = \frac{1}{2} \times 10 \times t^2 )
• ( t \approx 3.16 , \text{s} )
• b. Vertical velocity on impact:
• ( v_y = g t = 10 \times 3.16 = 31.6 , \text{m/s} )
• c. Horizontal range:
• ( R = U t = 10 \times 3.16 = 31.6 , \text{m} )
Example 2: Oblique Projection
A projectile is fired with an initial velocity ( U = 100 , \text{m/s} ) at an angle ( 30^\circ ).
• a. Time of flight:
• ( T = \frac{2U \sin \theta}{g} = \frac{2 \times 100 \times \sin 30^\circ}{10} = 10 , \text{s} )
• b. Maximum height:
• ( H = \frac{U^2 \sin^2 \theta}{2g} = \frac{100^2 \times (\sin 30^\circ)^2}{2 \times 10} = 125 , \text{m}
• c. Range:
• ( R \approx 866 , \text{m} )
Example 3: Bomb from a Bomber Plane
A plane flies horizontally at 3000 m height with speed ( 103 , \text{m/s} ).
• Vertical motion:
• ( 3000 = \frac{1}{2} g t^2 )
• ( t \approx 24.49 , \text{s} )
• Horizontal distance (s):
• ( s = 103 \times 24.49 \approx 24490 , \text{m} )
• Angle with vertical:
• ( \tan \theta = \frac{s}{3000} )
• ( \theta \approx 83.02^\circ )
07
Application in Warfare
Application in Warfare
In military artillery and The formula for range assists These calculations are critical
airstrikes, projectiles such as gunners in making necessary for accurately hitting enemy
missiles and bombs follow adjustments based on: targets at known distances.
parabolic paths.
• Elevation angle ( \theta )
• Initial velocity ( U )
08
Summary
Summary
1 A projectile is an object that moves solely 2 The motion can be divided into:
under the influence of gravity.
• Horizontal motion with constant speed.
• Vertical motion characterized by
acceleration due to gravity.
3 The trajectory of a projectile is a parabola. 4 Key equations include:
• ( T = \frac{2U \sin \theta}{g} )
• ( H = \frac{U^2 \sin^2 \theta}{2g} )
• ( R = \frac{U^2 \sin 2\theta}{g} )
5 Maximum range is achieved when ( \theta = 6 Projectile motion has applications in various
45^\circ ). fields, including sports, space launches,
artillery, and air-dropped bombs.
Thank You