Projectile Motion
Learn the complete H1 Physics 8867 Projectile Motion scope through clear explanations, worked methods and purposeful practice.
Learning goals
- Relate weight and gravitational potential energy changes in a uniform gravitational field.
- Analyse projectile motion by separating perpendicular components.
- Explain falling motion with air resistance using forces, energy and terminal velocity.
Before you begin
Start with the first lesson if this topic is new. If you are revising, use Check your understanding to find the lesson that deserves your attention, then work from the explanation to supported and independent practice.
Be comfortable with: Energy and Fields
How the ideas connect
- Weight and perpendicular motion components
- Potential energy in a uniform gravitational field
- Air resistance and terminal velocity
Learn in order
Lesson route
Learn the topic
- 01Weight and perpendicular motion componentsProjectile motion becomes manageable when you treat it as two motions sharing the same time: constant horizontal velocity and uniformly accelerated vertical motion.35 min
- 02Potential energy in a uniform gravitational fieldIn a uniform gravitational field, gravitational potential-energy change depends only on vertical height change, not on the path taken.35 min
- 03Air resistance and terminal velocityAir resistance changes both the force balance and the energy pathway. Terminal velocity means zero acceleration, not zero force or zero energy transfer.35 min
Check your understanding
Practice and check
What you will learn
These lessons cover the complete H1 Projectile Motion scope in a deliberate order.
- Use weight as the gravitational force W = mg.
- Resolve launch velocity into perpendicular components.
- Derive ΔEp = mgΔh from work done.
- Use signed height changes consistently.
- Describe how drag changes during a fall.
- Explain terminal velocity using resultant force.
Syllabus and review details
Covers the complete 2027 H1 Physics 8867 requirements for Projectile Motion; H2-only extensions are deliberately left out.
Use written working, labelled diagrams and clear physical reasoning as well as final answers. The lesson questions are designed to prepare you for both calculations and explanations.
Curriculum and content checked 2026-09-14
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start in Projectile Motion?
Start with Weight and perpendicular motion components. The 3 lessons build in order, and each one ends with an independent question and a clear next step.
How should I use the worked examples?
Cover the steps, attempt the question first, then compare your method line by line. Check the sign, direction, unit and size of your result.
What should I do when I finish the lessons?
Use Check your understanding, revisit any weak lesson, then complete the practice plan without looking at the worked answers.
Course and syllabus information
- Course
- GCE A-Level H1 Physics
- Edition
- GCE A-Level H1 Physics 2027