Projectile Motion Glossary

A force opposing motion through air, dependent on speed, cross-sectional area, and air density.

Two angles summing to 90 degrees; they produce equal ranges on level ground without air resistance.

Motion under gravity alone, with acceleration g (approximately 9.8 m/s^2) downward.

Equations relating displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time for uniformly accelerated motion.

The angle between the initial velocity vector and the horizontal at the moment of launch.

The highest vertical position reached, where vertical velocity momentarily equals zero.

A symmetric curve described by a quadratic equation, representing an ideal projectile trajectory.

An object launched into the air moving under gravity alone, with no propulsion during flight.

The horizontal distance from launch to landing at the same elevation.

The total time a projectile remains airborne from launch to landing.

The curved path traced by a projectile; a parabola under ideal conditions with no air resistance.

The horizontal and vertical parts of a velocity vector, resolved along perpendicular axes.