Launch a ball into the air and explore how angle, speed, and gravity change its path.
The graph now shows actual distance and height values in metres, so students can compare each launch more clearly.
y = x tan(θ) − gx² / 2v²cos²(θ)
Angle: 45° | Speed: 30 m/s | Gravity: 9.8 m/s²
Forward Motion
The ball keeps moving forward because of its launch speed.
Gravity Pulls Down
Gravity continuously pulls the ball back toward the ground.
Curved Path
Forward motion plus downward gravity creates the curved trajectory.
Try changing the angle. A very low angle flies fast but low. A very high angle goes up but may not travel far.
Sports Example
Basketball shots, football kicks and badminton clears all follow curved motion.
Engineering Example
Engineers use projectile motion to design fountains, launch systems and simulations.
Game Example
Video games use the same idea to animate arrows, balls, rockets and jumping characters.