1. What is Projectile Range?

The projectile range is the maximum horizontal distance traveled by a projectile when launched at a given angle with a specific initial velocity, under constant gravity and neglecting air resistance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the projectile range equations:

Where:

• \( R \) — Range distance (m)
• \( v \) — Initial velocity (m/s)
• \( \theta \) — Launch angle (degrees)
• \( t_{total} \) — Total time in air (s)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth)

Explanation: The range is determined by the horizontal velocity component multiplied by the total time the projectile remains in the air.

3. Importance of Range Calculation

Details: Calculating projectile range is essential in physics, engineering, ballistics, and sports science to predict where a projectile will land.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial velocity in m/s, launch angle in degrees (0-90), and gravity (default is Earth's gravity 9.81 m/s²). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What angle gives maximum range?
A: On level ground with no air resistance, 45° gives maximum range for a given initial velocity.

Q2: Does this account for air resistance?
A: No, these equations assume vacuum conditions. Real-world projectiles have shorter ranges due to air resistance.

Q3: What if I launch from a height?
A: These equations are for ground-level launches. Different equations are needed for elevated launches.

Q4: Can I use different units?
A: The calculator uses SI units (m/s, degrees). Convert other units before entering values.

Q5: Why does gravity appear in the equation?
A: Gravity determines how quickly the projectile falls, which affects the total time in air and thus the range.