Projectile Motion
The 2D motion of an object launched into a gravitational field under the sole influence of gravity (ignoring air resistance).
Governing formula
x(t) = v0 cos θ t, y(t) = v0 sin θ t - ½ g t²
SI unit
m, m/s
In depth
Horizontal motion has constant velocity (ax = 0), while vertical motion experiences constant downward acceleration (ay = -g). The resulting trajectory is a parabola.
Examples in the real world
A thrown baseball, a kicked football, or water spraying from a hose nozzle.