Projectile motion: two independent motions
An animation of a ball launched at an angle, splitting its motion into a constant horizontal velocity and a vertical velocity that shrinks, reverses, and grows under gravity. The vertical component reaches zero exactly at the peak, showing why the path traces a parabola. The two motions recombine to derive the range formula v0² sin(2θ)/g, giving students a visual bridge between kinematics equations and the resulting trajectory shape.
Narrated · 16:9 · Preview before teaching · automatic layout checks do not establish subject accuracy
The prompt that made it
A ball launched at an angle: horizontal velocity stays constant while the vertical velocity is pulled down by gravity, so the path is a parabola. At the top the vertical component is zero. The range follows from combining the two motions: v0² sin(2θ) / g.
Make the next one in this series
- Show how changing launch angle changes range while keeping speed fixed
- Animate maximum height derivation using only the vertical velocity component
- Compare projectile paths with and without air resistance side by side
