Why is the path a parabola?

With constant gravity and no drag, horizontal motion is uniform while vertical motion has constant acceleration. Eliminating time gives y as a quadratic function of x — a parabola.

Does mass affect the trajectory?

In this ideal model without air resistance, mass cancels out of the equations of motion; all bodies follow the same path for the same initial velocity and gravity.

What do the graphs show?

Typical views plot position and velocity versus time so you can tie the motion on screen to x(t), y(t), vₓ, and vᵧ and compare with textbook formulas.

Projectile Motion

This lab models ideal projectile motion in a uniform gravitational field: a point mass launched with speed and angle, with optional air resistance off by default. Trajectories, velocity components, and range follow from constant downward acceleration.

Who it's for: High-school and intro college physics; anyone learning kinematics in 2D and vector decomposition.

Key terms

projectile motion
parabolic trajectory
range
time of flight
kinematics
launch angle

Live graphs

How it works

A projectile is any object thrown into the air with an initial velocity, subject only to gravity (and optionally air resistance). The path followed is called a trajectory, which is parabolic in shape when air resistance is negligible. The range, maximum height, and time of flight all depend on the launch angle, initial speed, and gravitational acceleration.

Key equations

Position:x = v₀·cos(θ)·t, y = v₀·sin(θ)·t − ½gt²

Range:R = v₀²·sin(2θ) / g

Max Height:H = v₀²·sin²(θ) / (2g)

Frequently asked questions

Why is the path a parabola?: With constant gravity and no drag, horizontal motion is uniform while vertical motion has constant acceleration. Eliminating time gives y as a quadratic function of x — a parabola.
Does mass affect the trajectory?: In this ideal model without air resistance, mass cancels out of the equations of motion; all bodies follow the same path for the same initial velocity and gravity.
What do the graphs show?: Typical views plot position and velocity versus time so you can tie the motion on screen to x(t), y(t), vₓ, and vᵧ and compare with textbook formulas.

Other simulators in this category — or see all 85.

View category →

NewSchool

Trebuchet

Counterweight-driven beam: torque launches a projectile at a chosen release angle. Explore range vs masses and arm lengths.

Launch Simulator

NewSchool

Chain Sliding Off Table

Uniform chain on a smooth edge: hanging weight pulls, friction on the tabletop resists. Watch when it slips and how acceleration grows with s.

Launch Simulator

NewSchool

Block Stack & Friction

Pull the bottom block in a vertical stack: spring-like links with friction caps show who slips — compare with rigid-stack estimates.

Launch Simulator

NewUniversity / research

Bicycle Stability (2D)

Side view: roll dynamics with fork trail and gyroscopic wheel torques — see speed, trail, and ω = v/R vs lean.

Launch Simulator

NewSchool

Spring Pendulum

2D elastic pendulum: swing and spring stretch together — energy swaps between modes; try chaotic-looking presets.

Launch Simulator

NewSchool

Bridge Resonance (1-D mode)

Damped modal oscillator with harmonic drive: sweep ω near √(k/m) — presets for cadence-like and low-ζ peaks.

Launch Simulator

Projectile Motion

Live graphs

How it works

Key equations

Frequently asked questions

More from Classical Mechanics

Trebuchet

Chain Sliding Off Table

Block Stack & Friction

Bicycle Stability (2D)

Spring Pendulum

Bridge Resonance (1-D mode)

Projectile Motion

Live graphs

How it works

Key equations

Frequently asked questions