Describe projectile motion as two independent motions
Calculate range, max height, and time of flight
Analyze how launch angle affects trajectory
Identify that horizontal velocity is constant
Key Equations
\( x = v_0 \cos\theta \cdot t \)
\( y = v_0 \sin\theta \cdot t - \tfrac{1}{2}g t^2 \)
\( R = \frac{v_0^2 \sin 2\theta}{g} \)
\( H = \frac{v_0^2 \sin^2\theta}{2g} \)
\( T = \frac{2v_0 \sin\theta}{g} \)
Why It Matters
Projectile motion is the foundation for understanding any object moving through the air — from basketballs to rockets. The key insight: gravity only affects the vertical component while horizontal motion stays constant (ignoring air resistance).