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Exit to Motion in a Gravitational Field: projectiles, energy and drag

Projectile Motion Explorer

Decompose launch speed into components, inspect trajectory changes with angle/speed, and compare to a simple drag model.

  • GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027
Learning goals
  • Relate weight and gravitational potential energy changes in a uniform gravitational field.
  • Analyse projectile motion by separating perpendicular components.

Interactive stageLive model

Loading the interactive model…The interactive model did not load. Try again reloads this page; the explanation and worked content here are still available.

Change one variable at a time and watch the model respond.

Launch setup

Primary controls
22.0 m/s
38 deg
More controls
Model assumptions

Trajectory checkpoint

What to notice:

Prediction target:

      Practice run

      Choose a mode and checkpoint count when you want scoring.

      Run mode
      Try Projectile Quiz

      Choose your checkpoint count for guided or challenge mode.

      Study lensResolve launch velocity into horizontal and vertical components.11 min activity

      Try this

      Compare two launch angles with equal speed to test range symmetry intuition.

      Learn to

      • Resolve launch velocity into horizontal and vertical components.
      • Relate launch conditions to range and time of flight.
      • Identify assumptions and limits of the no-drag model.

      Exam transfer

      • Projectile setup
      • Component resolution

      Governing idea

      Without drag: x = (u cos θ)t and y = (u sin θ)t − ½gt². Horizontal and vertical motion share time but have independent accelerations.

      Model boundary

      The ideal model uses constant g, flat ground, and no air resistance. The drag comparison is illustrative rather than a full aerodynamic model.

      Avoid this trap

      At the highest point, vertical velocity is zero but acceleration is still downward at g; horizontal velocity remains non-zero in the ideal model.

      How to explore

      Probe launch angle, speed, and flight variables with guided model comparisons.

      Predict the outcome, change one variable at a time, then interpret the result. Completion records participation only and does not award mastery.

      About this activity

      Decompose launch speed into components, inspect trajectory changes with angle/speed, and compare to a simple drag model. A text explanation and no-JavaScript route remain available.

      How this activity affects progress
      Course and syllabus information
      Course
      GCE A-Level H2 Physics
      Edition
      GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027